MIAMI, May 12, 2008) … In an effort to better care for the pets and for the safety of Miami-Dade residents, Chapter V of the Miami-Dade County Code pertaining to animals has been revised,
updated and put into effect.
îîThe re-writing process was a collaborative project that involved members of our community, pet rescue organizations, Animal Services and other concerned animal welfare advocates,'' said Dr. Sara Pizano, Director of Miami-Dade Animal Services. "We urge residents to read the new Chapter V to learn about their responsibilities as pet owners and pet businesses as well as their rights.''
Below is an outline of updates and revisions of Chapter V of the Miami-Dade County Code:
-Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against the rabies virus beginning at 4 months of age, and they must be revaccinated as directed by the vaccine manufacturer (typically, every 1 or 3
years). (Section 5-6).
-Dogs must be licensed every year and must wear their tags at all times. (Section 5-7).
-Four dogs are allowed to live on residential property that is less than one acre, six dogs on 1-2 acres, and eight dogs on 2 acres or more. Keeping more than those numbers of dogs on residential property requires a Kennel license (Sections 5-1 and 5-13).
-Dogs are not permitted to roam free off your private property. They must be leashed at all times. (Section 5-20).
-If you breed pets, you must have a Hobby Breeder or Kennel license. (Sections 5-1 and 5-13).
-If you sell pets, you must have a Hobby Breeder or Pet Dealer license (Section 5-10).
-If you sell pets, they must be microchipped and registered to the new owner and must be sold with an original official certificate of veterinary inspection. (Section 5-10).
-To transport a pet in the back of a pick up truck, it must be in a secured carrier. See Section 5-15 for other requirements.
-Dogs in heat must be confined (Section 5-20.1).
-The acquisition or keeping of Pit Bull dogs is prohibited in Miami-Dade County (Section 5-17.6).
-Depriving an animal of food, water, or adequate shelter is an act of animal cruelty (Section 5-4).
-It is unlawful to allow a dog to commit any nuisance (defecation and/or urination) on sidewalk of public street or buildings used in common by the public. (Section 5-20).
A complete copy of Chapter V can be obtained on Miami-Dade Animal Services' website at http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/.
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