SB 650 — Tethering of Domestic Dogs and Cats

Florida Senate - 2021 CS for SB 650 By Senatorthe TaddeoCommittee 40-00675-21on 2021650__Agriculture; A bill to be entitled An act relating to tethering of domestic dogs and cats;

and Senators Taddeo, Book, Rouson, Polsky, Cruz, Jones, Farmer, and Stewart 575-02381-21 2021650c1 A bill to be entitled An act relating to tethering of domestic dogs and cats;

providingauthorizing forenforcement enforcement;of the act in accordance with specified provisions;

providing construction;

910 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

1112 Section 1. Section 828.132, Florida Statutes, is created to read:

(3) Paragraph(3) This (2)(a)act does not apply to tetheringhunting adogs. domestic dog or domestic cat in a manner that does not jeopardize its health, safety, or well-being when:

(4) Paragraph (2)(a) does not apply to tethering a domestic dog or domestic cat in a manner that does not jeopardize its health, safety, or well-being when:

(e) Being lawfullycared usedfor toas activelypart huntof a speciesrescue ofoperation wildlife in the state during thea huntingnatural seasonor formanmade thatdisaster; species of wildlife;

(f) Being(f) Temporarily caredtethered by any of the following entities for asa partperiod of atime rescuewhich operationis duringno longer than necessary to accomplish a naturaltask such as bathing, medical care, or manmadeany disaster;other short-term valid purpose for the safety of the animal, other animals, staff, or the public:

1. A public or private animal shelter.

2. A humane organization.

3. An animal control agency operated by a humane organization;

by a county, municipality, or other incorporated political subdivision;

or by a licensed commercial boarding facility;

(4) A(5) A person who tethers a domestic dog or domestic cat in violation of this section commits a noncriminal violation as defined in s.

(a) For a first offense, a written warning and notice to complycomply. within 30 calendar days.

(5) This(6) This section shallmay be enforced pursuant to s.

(7) This section may not be construed to limit the authority of any local governmental entity to adopt or enforce an ordinance that is more restrictive or that imposes greater penalties than this section.