Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission reduces animal‑control lien for veteran after board debate
Summary
On an appeal, the board cut an animal‑control code enforcement lien tied to attacks on livestock from $10,000 per dog to $2,500 per dog (including administrative fees, $5,000 total). Commissioners cited the veteran’s service and his inability to appear at the original hearing, while also emphasizing owner responsibility for dangerous animals.
The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners voted on Nov. 18 to reduce a code‑enforcement lien against a local property owner who faced sanctions after his animals attacked neighbors’ livestock.
Attorney George Angelaitis, appearing for the property owner, told the board his client is a 100% service‑connected disabled veteran and was hospitalized and unable to attend the original code‑enforcement hearing. "In the spirit of Veterans Day, I'm calling upon your mercy and compassion, to help one of our own local heroes in reducing this code enforcement lien," Angelaitis said.
Commissioners debated public‑safety concerns and the need for accountability. Commissioner Champion told the board he had personally experienced dangerous dogs on his property and warned about risks to children. "These dogs will kill people," he said during the exchange, arguing for a meaningful penalty while acknowledging the veteran’s service.
After discussion the board adopted a motion to reduce the fine to $2,500 per dog and to include administrative fees in that amount, for a combined collection total of $5,000; the board also directed that a partial satisfaction of the lien would be entered for the reduced amount and that the remaining lien would remain in place.
County legal staff clarified the special master’s original higher penalty appeared tied to the owner's failure to appear at prior hearings and to what the special master interpreted as disrespect. Commissioners said a reduced but still substantial sanction balanced compassion and public safety.
The motion passed by voice vote with commissioners stating support for both public‑safety concerns and the humanitarian factors raised by Angelaitis. Staff noted the usual enforcement mechanism attaches liens to property owned by the defendant in the county and that collection mechanisms (including possible liens on other parcels owned by the defendant) remain available.
