Hallandale Beach commission unanimously backs animal‑cruelty resolution and urges state action on two bills

Hallandale Beach commissioners on the dais voted unanimously to adopt two separate resolutions urging the Florida Legislature to act on state bills, including one seeking increased penalties for animal cruelty during declared emergencies.

The first resolution expressed the commission’s support for state legislation addressing animal cruelty — including a bill identified in the meeting transcript as “Florida Senate Bill 494” and an additional bill referenced in the record as “Senate Bill 50150” — and was described in the meeting as co‑sponsored by Commissioner Annabel Lee Metabo and Vice Mayor Michelle Lazaro. Vice Mayor Michelle Lazaro thanked emergency responders and animal‑care volunteers and said the commission should ensure Broward County systems protect animals during disasters. The item passed on a 5‑0 roll call: Commissioners Adams, Butler, Lee Matau, Vice Mayor Lazaro and Mayor Cooper voted yes.

The second resolution asked the city’s legislative delegations to consider transmittal of several bills during the 2025 legislative session. The transcript lists the measures as “House Bill 451” and “Senate Bill 592” (as cited in the chamber). Commissioner Leventhal told staff he consolidated several bills into one resolution for efficiency and moved for adoption; a colleague seconded the motion and commissioners approved it 5‑0. Leventhal asked that staff provide a briefing later on what transpired at the bills’ hearings.

Votes at a glance

• Item H — Resolution supporting state animal‑cruelty legislation (transcript cites “Senate Bill 494” and a second Senate bill described in the record as “Senate Bill 50150”): motion to approve carried 5‑0 (Adams, Butler, Lee Matau, Lazaro, Cooper — yes).

• Item I — Resolution urging transmittal/consideration of state bills (transcript cites “House Bill 451” and “Senate Bill 592”): motion to adopt carried 5‑0 (Adams, Butler, Lee Matau, Lazaro, Cooper — yes).

What commissioners said and next steps

Vice Mayor Michelle Lazaro noted images from a past hurricane showing animals in distress and pointed to more recent wildfire responses, praising efforts to foster and care for displaced animals. Commissioner Leventhal said he had consolidated multiple state measures into a single resolution for the commission’s consideration and requested a staff briefing on recent hearings so the commission can follow the bills’ progress.

The resolutions are statements of municipal support and transmittal requests to the city’s state legislative delegation; the commission did not adopt local ordinances or change local code in these votes. The city clerk recorded the roll calls and the commission closed the agenda items after each motion carried.