Senate Bill sb2058c2

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058

    By the Committees on Judiciary; Agriculture and Consumer
    Services; and Senator Sebesta




    308-1883-01

  1                      A bill to be entitled

  2         An act relating to animal control; amending s.

  3         767.12, F.S.; revising provisions relating to

  4         procedures for having dogs declared dangerous;

  5         authorizing animal control authorities to make

  6         such declarations; providing for evidentiary

  7         hearings; requiring confinement of animals

  8         during the hearing process; requiring owners of

  9         dangerous dogs to purchase an annual

10         certificate; providing for local governments to

11         authorize certain regulations; providing that

12         certain dogs brought into a jurisdiction to

13         register and must comply with the act; amending

14         s. 767.13, F.S.; requiring owners to pay for

15         boarding during certain hearings and appeals

16         and allowing the authority to euthanize an

17         animal and obtain reimbursement from the owner

18         under specified circumstances; amending s.

19         767.14, F.S.; deleting an application

20         exemption; amending s. 828.055, F.S.;

21         authorizing additional drugs for which permits

22         may be issued for the capture or euthanasia of

23         animals; amending s. 828.058, F.S.; requiring

24         chemical immobilization training, which

25         training must be approved by the Board of

26         Veterinary Medicine; amending s. 828.03, F.S.;

27         requiring training for certain agents of

28         counties or societies that may prosecute

29         violators; amending s. 828.073, F.S.;

30         authorizing officers and agents of

31         municipalities to take actions with respect to

                                  1

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1         animals in distress and officers and agents of

  2         counties; amending s. 828.27, F.S.; redefining

  3         the term "animal control officer"; increasing

  4         training requirements; providing an effective

  5         date.

  6

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

  8

  9         Section 1.  Section 767.12, Florida Statutes, is

10  amended to read:

11         767.12  Classification of dogs as dangerous;

12  certification of registration; notice and hearing

13  requirements; confinement of animal; exemption; appeals;

14  unlawful acts.--

15         (1)(a)  An animal control authority shall investigate

16  reported incidents involving any dog that may be dangerous and

17  shall, if possible, interview the owner and require a sworn

18  affidavit from any person, including any animal control

19  officer or enforcement officer, desiring to have a dog

20  classified as dangerous. Any animal that is the subject of a

21  dangerous dog investigation, that is not impounded with the

22  animal control authority, shall be humanely and safely

23  confined by the owner in a securely fenced or enclosed area

24  pending the outcome of the investigation and resolution of any

25  hearings related to the dangerous dog classification. The

26  address of where the animal resides shall be provided to the

27  animal control authority. No dog that is the subject of a

28  dangerous dog investigation may be relocated or ownership

29  transferred pending the outcome of an investigation or any

30  hearings related to the determination of a dangerous dog

31

                                  2

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1  classification. In the event that a dog is to be destroyed,

  2  the dog shall not be relocated or ownership transferred.

  3         (b)  A dog shall not be declared dangerous if the

  4  threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who, at

  5  the time, was unlawfully on the property or, while lawfully on

  6  the property, was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog

  7  or its owner or a family member. No dog may be declared

  8  dangerous if the dog was protecting or defending a human being

  9  within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified

10  attack or assault.

11         (c)  After the investigation, the animal control

12  authority shall review data collected during the

13  investigation, shall make an initial determination as to

14  whether there is sufficient cause to classify the dog as

15  dangerous, and may make and shall afford the owner an

16  opportunity for a hearing prior to making a final

17  determination declaring the dog dangerous. The animal control

18  authority shall provide written notification of the

19  sufficient-cause sufficient cause finding, to the owner, by

20  certified registered mail, certified hand delivery, or service

21  in conformance with the provisions of chapter 48 relating to

22  service of process. The owner may file a written request for

23  an evidentiary a hearing in county court or an administrative

24  hearing, as determined by local ordinance, to challenge the

25  sufficient-cause finding within 7 calendar days after from the

26  date of receipt of the notification of the sufficient-cause

27  sufficient cause finding. A and, if requested, the hearing

28  shall be held as soon as possible, but not more than 21

29  calendar days, or as soon thereafter as is practical, and no

30  sooner than 5 days after receipt of the request from the

31  owner. If the owner does not request a hearing within the

                                  3

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1  7-day period, the dog shall automatically be declared

  2  dangerous without further action. Each applicable local

  3  governing authority shall establish hearing procedures that

  4  conform to this paragraph.

  5         (d)  Upon receipt of notice of the finding of

  6  sufficient cause, the owner Once a dog is classified as a

  7  dangerous dog, the animal control authority shall provide

  8  written notification to the owner by registered mail,

  9  certified hand delivery or service, and the owner may file a

10  written request for a hearing in the county court to appeal

11  the classification within 10 business days after receipt of a

12  written determination of dangerous dog classification and must

13  confine the dog in a securely fenced or enclosed area pending

14  a resolution of the matter appeal. The animal control

15  authority may not impose any restrictions upon a dog that has

16  not yet been classified as dangerous, except for confinement

17  or impoundment of the animal and for prohibiting the

18  relocation or transfer of ownership of the animal. Each

19  applicable local governing authority must establish appeal

20  procedures that conform to this paragraph.

21         (2)  Within 14 days after a dog has been classified as

22  dangerous by the animal control authority or the findings have

23  been a dangerous dog classification is upheld by the county

24  court on appeal, the owner of the dog must obtain a

25  certificate of registration for the dog from the animal

26  control authority in serving the area in which he or she

27  resides, which and the certificate must shall be renewed

28  annually. Animal control authorities are authorized to issue

29  such Certificates of registration, and renewals thereof, may

30  be issued only to persons who are at least 18 years of age and

31

                                  4

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1  who present to the animal control authority sufficient

  2  evidence of:

  3         (a)  A current certificate of rabies vaccination for

  4  the dog.

  5         (b)  A proper enclosure in which to confine the a

  6  dangerous dog and the posting of the premises with a clearly

  7  visible warning sign at all entry points that informs both

  8  children and adults that of the presence of a dangerous dog is

  9  on the property.

10         (c)  Permanent identification of the dog, such as a

11  tattoo on the inside thigh or electronic implantation.

12

13  The appropriate local governmental unit may impose an annual

14  fee for the issuance of certificates of registration and may

15  impose more stringent requirements that it considers

16  appropriate required by this section.

17         (3)  The owner shall immediately notify the appropriate

18  animal control authority when a dog that has been classified

19  as dangerous:

20         (a)  Is loose or unconfined.

21         (b)  Has bitten a human being or attacked another

22  animal.

23         (c)  Is sold, given away, or dies.

24         (d)  Is moved to another address.

25

26  Before Prior to a dangerous dog is being sold or given away,

27  the owner must shall provide the name, address, and telephone

28  number of the new owner to the animal control authority. The

29  new owner must comply with all of the requirements of this act

30  and applicable implementing local ordinances, even if the

31  animal is moved from one local jurisdiction to another within

                                  5

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1  the state. The owner of an animal that is brought into this

  2  state from another state where it was subjected to

  3  restrictions similar to this section must comply with this

  4  section. The local animal control authority officer must be

  5  notified by the owner of a dog classified as dangerous or

  6  subject to similar restrictions in another state that the dog

  7  is in its his or her jurisdiction.

  8         (4)  It is unlawful for the owner of a dangerous dog to

  9  permit the dog to be outside a proper enclosure unless the dog

10  is muzzled, and restrained by a substantial chain or leash,

11  and under control of a competent person.  The muzzle must be

12  made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or

13  interfere with its vision or respiration but will prevent it

14  from biting any person or animal.  The owner may exercise the

15  dog in a securely fenced or enclosed area that does not have a

16  top, without a muzzle or leash, if the dog remains within his

17  or her sight. and Only members of the immediate household who

18  are or persons 18 years of age or older are allowed in the

19  enclosure when the dog is present.  When being transported,

20  such dogs must be safely and securely restrained within a

21  vehicle.

22         (5)  Hunting dogs are exempt from the provisions of

23  this act when engaged in any legal hunt or training procedure.

24  Dogs engaged in training or exhibiting in legal sports such as

25  obedience trials, conformation shows, field trials,

26  hunting/retrieving trials, and herding trials are exempt from

27  the provisions of this act when engaged in any legal

28  procedures. However, such dogs at all other times in all other

29  respects are shall be subject to this and local laws.  Dogs

30  that have been classified as dangerous may shall not be used

31  for hunting purposes.

                                  6

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1         (6)  This section does not apply to dogs used by law

  2  enforcement officials for law enforcement work.

  3         (7)  Any person who violates any provision of this

  4  section is guilty of a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a

  5  fine not exceeding $500.

  6         Section 2.  Section 767.13, Florida Statutes, is

  7  amended to read:

  8         767.13  Attack or bite by dangerous dog; penalties;

  9  confiscation; destruction.--

10         (1)  If a dog that has previously been declared

11  dangerous attacks or bites a person or a domestic animal

12  without provocation, the owner is guilty of a misdemeanor of

13  the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.

14  775.083. In addition, the dangerous dog shall be immediately

15  confiscated by an animal control authority, placed in

16  quarantine, if necessary, for the proper length of time, or

17  impounded and held for 10 business days after the owner is

18  given written notification under s. 767.12, and thereafter

19  destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. This 10-day

20  time period shall allow the owner to request a hearing under

21  s. 767.12. The owner shall be responsible for payment of all

22  boarding costs and other fees as may be required to humanely

23  and safely keep the animal during any hearing process or

24  appeal procedure. If an owner does not pay any required

25  boarding costs, the animal control authority may euthanize the

26  dog and obtain reimbursement from the owner.

27         (2)  If a dog that has not been declared dangerous

28  attacks and causes severe injury to or death of any human, the

29  dog shall be immediately confiscated by an animal control

30  authority, placed in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper

31  length of time or held for 10 business days after the owner is

                                  7

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1  given written notification under s. 767.12, and thereafter

  2  destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. This 10-day

  3  time period shall allow the owner to request a hearing under

  4  s. 767.12. The owner shall be responsible for payment of all

  5  boarding costs and other fees as may be required to humanely

  6  and safely keep the animal during any hearing process or

  7  appeal procedure. If an owner does not pay any required

  8  boarding costs, the animal control authority may euthanize the

  9  animal and obtain reimbursement from the owner. In addition,

10  if the owner of the dog had prior knowledge of the dog's

11  dangerous propensities, yet demonstrated a reckless disregard

12  for such propensities under the circumstances, the owner of

13  the dog is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree,

14  punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

15         (3)  If a dog that has previously been declared

16  dangerous attacks and causes severe injury to or death of any

17  human, the owner is guilty of a felony of the third degree,

18  punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s.

19  775.084. In addition, the dog shall be immediately confiscated

20  by an animal control authority, placed in quarantine, if

21  necessary, for the proper length of time or held for 10

22  business days after the owner is given written notification

23  under s. 767.12, and thereafter destroyed in an expeditious

24  and humane manner. This 10-day time period shall allow the

25  owner to request a hearing under s. 767.12. The owner shall be

26  responsible for payment of all boarding costs and other fees

27  as may be required to humanely and safely keep the animal

28  during any appeal procedure. If the owner does not pay any

29  required boarding costs, the animal control authority may

30  euthanize the animal and obtain reimbursement from the owner.

31

                                  8

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1         (4)  Except as provided in this act if the owner files

  2  a written hearing request appeal under s. 767.12 or this

  3  section, the dog must be held and may not be destroyed while

  4  the hearing or appeal is pending.

  5         (5)  If a dog attacks or bites a person who is engaged

  6  in or attempting to engage in a criminal activity at the time

  7  of the attack, the owner is not guilty of any crime specified

  8  under this section.

  9         Section 3.  Section 767.14, Florida Statutes, is

10  amended to read:

11         767.14  Additional local restrictions

12  authorized.--Nothing in this act shall limit any local

13  government from placing further restrictions or additional

14  requirements on owners of dangerous dogs or developing

15  procedures and criteria for the implementation of this act,

16  provided that no such regulation is specific to breed and that

17  the provisions of this act are not lessened by such additional

18  regulations or requirements.  This section shall not apply to

19  any local ordinance adopted prior to October 1, 1990.

20         Section 4.  Section 828.055, Florida Statutes, is

21  amended to read:

22         828.055  Sodium pentobarbital; Permits for drug use in

23  chemical capture and euthanasia of domestic animals.--

24         (1)  The Board of Pharmacy shall adopt rules providing

25  for the issuance of permits authorizing the purchase,

26  possession, and use of legend drugs, including controlled

27  substances listed in chapter 893, as recommended by the Board

28  of Veterinary Medicine for sodium pentobarbital and sodium

29  pentobarbital with lidocaine by county or municipal animal

30  control agencies state agencies with animal related duties, or

31  humane societies registered with the Secretary of State for

                                  9

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1  the purpose of euthanizing injured, sick, or abandoned or

  2  otherwise unclaimed domestic animals that which are in their

  3  lawful possession.

  4         (a)  County or municipal animal control agencies, state

  5  agencies with animal related duties, or humane societies with

  6  government contracts for animal control may purchase, possess,

  7  and use permitted legend drugs for the purpose of

  8  tranquilizing or sedating and euthanizing injured, sick,

  9  abandoned, or otherwise unclaimed animals that are in their

10  lawful possession, and for chemical immobilization of animals

11  when other methods of capture are ineffective or impractical.

12         (b)  Humane societies without government contracts for

13  animal control may purchase, possess, and use permitted legend

14  drugs only for the purpose of tranquilizing or sedating and

15  euthanizing injured, sick, abandoned, or otherwise unclaimed

16  animals that are in their lawful possession.

17         (2)  The rules shall set forth a list of legend drugs

18  permitted for the agencies listed in paragraph (1)(a) and

19  those listed in paragraph (1)(b) and guidelines for the proper

20  storage and handling of these legend drugs sodium

21  pentobarbital and sodium pentobarbital with lidocaine and such

22  other provisions as may be necessary to ensure that the drugs

23  are used solely for the purpose set forth in this section.

24  The rules shall also provide for an application fee not to

25  exceed $50 and a biennial renewal fee not to exceed $50.

26         (3)(2)  Any county or municipal animal control agency

27  or any humane society registered with the Secretary of State

28  may apply to the Department of Health Business and

29  Professional Regulation for a permit to purchase, possess, and

30  use legend drugs, including controlled substances listed in

31  chapter 893, sodium pentobarbital or sodium pentobarbital with

                                  10

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1  lidocaine pursuant to subsection (1). Upon certification by

  2  the board that the applicant meets the qualifications set

  3  forth in the rules, the department shall issue the permit.

  4         (4)(3)  The board may revoke or suspend the permit upon

  5  a determination that the permittee is using legend drugs

  6  sodium pentobarbital or sodium pentobarbital with lidocaine

  7  for any purpose other than that set forth in this section or

  8  if the permittee fails to follow the rules of the board

  9  regarding proper storage and handling.

10         Section 5.  Section 828.058, Florida Statutes, is

11  amended to read:

12         828.058  Euthanasia and chemical immobilization of

13  animals dogs and cats.--

14         (1)  Sodium pentobarbital, a sodium pentobarbital

15  derivative, or other agent the Board of Veterinary Medicine

16  recommends to the Board of Pharmacy for inclusion may approve

17  by rule shall be the only agents methods used for euthanasia

18  of animals dogs and cats by public or private agencies, animal

19  shelters, or other facilities which are operated for the

20  collection and care of stray, neglected, abandoned, or

21  unwanted animals.  A lethal solution shall be used in the

22  following order of preference:

23         (a)  Intravenous injection by hypodermic needle;

24         (b)  Intraperitoneal injection by hypodermic needle;

25         (c)  Intracardial injection by hypodermic needle; or

26         (d)  Solution or powder added to food.

27         (2)  Animals A dog or cat may be sedated tranquilized

28  with an approved and humane agent that the Board of Veterinary

29  Medicine recommends to the Board of Pharmacy substance before

30  euthanasia is performed or when immobilizing animals in order

31  to facilitate capture or control.

                                  11

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1         (3)  Public or private agencies, animal shelters, or

  2  other facilities that are operated for the collection and care

  3  of stray, neglected, abandoned or unwanted animals are not

  4  permitted to use succinylcholine chloride, curare, curariform

  5  mixtures, any substance which acts as a neuromuscular blocking

  6  agent, or a chamber which causes a change in body oxygen may

  7  not be used on animals a dog or cat for any purpose. However,

  8  whenever an emergency situation exists which requires the

  9  immediate euthanasia of an injured, diseased, or dangerous

10  animal, a law enforcement officer, a veterinarian, or an agent

11  of a local animal control unit or the designee of such an

12  agent may humanely destroy the animal, as provided in s.

13  828.05.

14         (4)(a)  Euthanasia shall be performed only by a

15  licensed veterinarian or an employee or agent of a public or

16  private agency, animal shelter, or other facility that is

17  operated for the collection and care of stray, neglected,

18  abandoned, or unwanted animals, provided the employee or agent

19  has successfully completed a 16-hour euthanasia technician

20  certification course. The curriculum for such course must be

21  approved by the Board of Veterinary Medicine and must include,

22  at a minimum, the pharmacology, proper administration, and

23  storage of euthanasia solutions; federal and state laws

24  regulating the storage and accountability of euthanasia

25  solutions; euthanasia technician stress management; and proper

26  disposal of euthanized animals.  An employee or agent

27  performing euthanasia before October 1, 1993, must obtain

28  certification by October 1, 1994.  An employee or agent who

29  begins performing euthanasia on or after October 1, 1993, must

30  obtain certification before performing any euthanasia.

31  However, a certified veterinarian technician who is an

                                  12

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1  employee or agent as defined in the subsection, may perform

  2  euthanasia without completing the certification course

  3  required by this subsection. Euthanasia must be performed in a

  4  humane and proficient manner.

  5         (b)  Chemical immobilization shall be performed only by

  6  a veterinarian, certified veterinary technician, employee of a

  7  state agency with animal related responsibilities, animal

  8  control personnel, or personnel from a humane society that is

  9  registered with the Secretary of State and has a government

10  contract for animal control. Except for veterinarians or

11  certified veterinary technicians, all other persons performing

12  chemical immobilization must have successfully completed a

13  16-hour chemical immobilization certification course. The

14  curriculum for such course must be approved by the Board of

15  Veterinary Medicine and must include, as a minimum, the

16  pharmacology, proper administration, record keeping, and

17  storage of chemical immobilization solutions; chemical

18  immobilization technology; animal behavior; postimmobilization

19  procedures; and marksmanship training.

20         (5)(b)  No animal dog or cat may be left unattended

21  between the time euthanasia procedures are first begun and the

22  time death occurs, nor may its body be disposed of until death

23  is confirmed by a qualified person. In the case of chemical

24  immobilization, no animal may be left unattended between the

25  time of chemical immobilization and return to sternal

26  recumbency.

27         (6)(5)  The state attorney may bring an action to

28  enjoin any violation of this act.

29         (7)(6)  Any person who violates the provisions of this

30  act is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable

31  as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

                                  13

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1         Section 6.  Subsection (3) is added to section 828.03,

  2  Florida Statutes, to read:

  3         828.03  Agents of counties, societies, etc., may

  4  prosecute violators.--

  5         (3)  Any agent appointed after July 1, 2001, under this

  6  section shall successfully complete the 40 hour minimum

  7  standards training course required by s. 828.27(4)(a)1. within

  8  1 year of appointment. If such agents utilize devices to

  9  chemically immobilize an animal, they must complete the 16

10  hours of training required by s. 828.27(1)(b). They shall also

11  be required to comply with s. 828.27(4)(a)3. regarding

12  postcertification continuing education training. Any agent who

13  was appointed prior to July 1, 2001, under this statute is not

14  required to complete the minimum standards training course.

15         Section 7.  Subsections (2) and (3), paragraph (a) of

16  subsection (4), paragraph (b) of subsection (7) of section

17  828.073, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

18         828.073  Animals found in distress; when agent may take

19  charge; hearing; disposition; sale.--

20         (2)  Any law enforcement officer or any agent of any

21  county or municipality or of any society or association for

22  the prevention of cruelty to animals appointed under the

23  provisions of s. 828.03 may:

24         (a)  Lawfully take custody of any animal found

25  neglected or cruelly treated by removing the animal from its

26  present location, or

27         (b)  Order the owner of any animal found neglected or

28  cruelly treated to provide certain care to the animal at the

29  owner's expense without removal of the animal from its present

30  location,

31

                                  14

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1  and shall forthwith petition the county court judge of the

  2  county wherein the animal is found for a hearing, to be set

  3  within 30 days after the date of seizure of the animal or

  4  issuance of the order to provide care and held not more than

  5  15 days after the setting of such date, to determine whether

  6  the owner, if known, is able to provide adequately for the

  7  animal and is fit to have custody of the animal.  The hearing

  8  shall be concluded and the court order entered thereon within

  9  60 days after the date the hearing is commenced. No fee shall

10  be charged for the filing of the petition.  Nothing herein is

11  intended to require court action for the taking into custody

12  and making proper disposition of stray or abandoned animals as

13  lawfully performed by animal control agents.

14         (3)  The officer or agent of any county or municipality

15  or of any society or association for the prevention of cruelty

16  to animals taking charge of any animal pursuant to the

17  provisions of this section shall have written notice served,

18  at least 5 days prior to the hearing set forth in subsection

19  (2), upon the owner of the animal, if he or she is known and

20  is residing in the county where the animal was taken, in

21  conformance with the provisions of chapter 48 relating to

22  service of process.  The sheriff of the county shall not

23  charge a fee for service of such notice.  If the owner of the

24  animal is known but is residing outside of the county wherein

25  the animal was taken, notice of the hearing shall be by

26  publication in conformance with the provisions of chapter 49.

27         (4)(a)  The officer or agent of any county or

28  municipality or of any society or association for the

29  prevention of cruelty to animals taking charge of an animal as

30  provided for in this section shall provide for the animal

31  until either:

                                  15

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1         1.  The owner is adjudged by the court to be able to

  2  provide adequately for, and have custody of, the animal, in

  3  which case the animal shall be returned to the owner upon

  4  payment by the owner for the care and provision for the animal

  5  while in the agent's or officer's custody; or

  6         2.  The animal is turned over to the officer or agent

  7  as provided in paragraph (c) and a humane disposition of the

  8  animal is made.

  9         (7)  In any case in which an animal is offered for

10  auction under the provisions of this section, the proceeds

11  shall be:

12         (b)  Applied, secondly, to the care and provision for

13  the animal by the officer or agent of any county or

14  municipality or of any society or association for the

15  prevention of cruelty to animals taking charge.

16         Section 8.  Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) and

17  paragraph (a) of subsection (4) of section 828.27, Florida

18  Statutes, are amended to read:

19         828.27  Local animal control or cruelty ordinances;

20  penalty.--

21         (1)  As used in this section, the term:

22         (b)  "Animal control officer" means any person employed

23  or appointed by a county or municipality who is authorized to

24  investigate, on public or private property, civil infractions

25  relating to animal control or cruelty and to issue citations

26  as provided in this section.  An animal control officer is not

27  authorized to bear firearms arms or make arrests; however,

28  such officer may carry a device to chemically subdue and

29  tranquilize an animal, provided that such officer has

30  successfully completed a minimum of 16 hours of training in

31  marksmanship, equipment handling, safety and animal care, and

                                  16

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1  can demonstrate proficiency in chemical immobilization of

  2  animals as outlined in s. 828.058(4) in accordance with

  3  guidelines prescribed in the Chemical Immobilization

  4  Operational Guide of the American Humane Association. In

  5  addition, with approval of the local governing authority, an

  6  animal control officer may carry a legal firearm other than a

  7  handgun in the official conveyance when such firearm is

  8  carried solely for the lawful use outlined in s. 828.05(3) and

  9  provided that such officer has successfully completed a

10  state-approved gun safety course and the euthanasia

11  certification course outlined in s. 828.058(4)(a).

12         (4)(a)1.  County-employed animal control officers

13  shall, and municipally employed animal control officers may,

14  successfully complete a 40-hour minimum standards training

15  course. Such course shall include, but is not limited to,

16  training for: animal cruelty investigations, search and

17  seizure, animal handling, courtroom demeanor, and civil

18  citations. The course curriculum must be approved by the

19  Florida Animal Control Association. An animal control officer

20  who successfully completes such course shall be issued a

21  certificate indicating that he or she has received a passing

22  grade.

23         2.  Any animal control officer who is authorized prior

24  to January 1, 1990, by a county or municipality to issue

25  citations is not required to complete the minimum standards

26  training course.

27         3.  In order to maintain valid certification, every 2

28  years each certified county-employed animal control officer

29  shall complete 8 4 hours of postcertification continuing

30  education training. Such training may include, but is not

31  limited to, training for: animal cruelty investigations,

                                  17

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.






    Florida Senate - 2001                    CS for CS for SB 2058
    308-1883-01




  1  search and seizure, animal handling, courtroom demeanor, and

  2  civil citations.

  3         Section 9.  This act shall take effect upon becoming a

  4  law.

  5

  6          STATEMENT OF SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES CONTAINED IN
                       COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR
  7                            CS/SB 2058

  8

  9  Makes three technical corrections.

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

                                  18

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.