Placement: Second Reading of Ordinances / Public Hearing
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Ordinance 20-71, Public Hearing, An Ordinance of the City of Port St. Lucie, FL Amending Ch. 92, Animals to Amend Sec. 92.01, Definitions, and to Add Sec. 92.20, Retail Sale of Dogs, Cats and Rabbits; Providing Codification; Providing for Conflict; Providing for Severability; Providing for an Effective Date.
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Submitted By: John A. Bolduc, Chief of Police
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): The ordinance will address the concern of animals from mills being sold within the limits of the City of Port St. Lucie. As well as addressing facilities that are overcrowded or present unsanitary conditions.
Presentation Information: Questions will be answered upon request.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the Ordinance.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the Ordinance.
2. Move that the Council not approve the Ordinance and provide staff direction.
Background: The Retail Sale of Animals ordinance is focused on prohibiting pet shops from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits unless those animals have been obtained from an animal shelter or rescue organization. At this time, this will only impact one large pet chain store or other establishments selling rabbits, as there are no pet stores selling dogs or cats.
Issues/Analysis: The new Ordinance will concentrate on concerns stemming from animals being sold from pet mills within our City's limits, such as overcrowding and unsanitary conditions without adequate veterinary care, food, water, or socialization. As well as pet mills selling animals to brokers, who ship these animals regardless of sanitary conditions, food or water to retail facilities for sale to the public. Animals sold from pet mills with underlying or untreated medical issues/illness.
City re...
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