Brevard County only considers a pitbull dangerous after it attacks.
A number of local governments have laws against breeds of dogs that can be vicious, specifically pitbulls. While some areas ban the dogs from living within city limits, other breed-specific laws place restrictions on the dogs and their owners. In Brevard County, Fla., there are no breed-specific laws. Instead, the Brevard County Animal Services punishes the dog's owner if the dog gets out of hand. The county also regulates the dogs to ensure they are properly cared for.
Leash Law
Pitbulls, along with every other dog, are covered by the Brevard County Animal Enforcement Ordinance. Under this law, it is the dog owner's responsibility to prevent dogs from biting and attacking animals and people. The ordinance suggests several ways in which this can be accomplished, including crating and leashing the dog. The owner is to maintain physical control over the dog at all times. Brevard County has a strict policy that prohibits dogs from running loose, enforced by impounding the dog and ticketing and fining the owner.
Pet Licensing
The local government requires pet licenses for $10 per dog. This is another way to keep track of the types of dogs in the area. If a dog gets loose and attacks someone, the county animal services can connect the dog to the owner. However, pitbulls are not distinguished in any way by the license. There is a fine of $120 for not having a dog license. The tags have to be renewed each year at the county animal services building.
Dangerous Dogs List
The animal services department maintains a dangerous dogs list that is available to the public. The list contains a photo, name and address of every dog in the county that has severely injured or killed an animal, severely injured or endangered a person or has been used primarily for dogfighting. The owner's name is also listed. All of this information is listed on the Brevard Animal Services website (brevardanimalservices.com). The list has several pitbulls on it, but other breeds populate the list as well. It is meant to deter dog owners who fail to control their dogs.
Dangerous Dog Restrictions
In addition to the dangerous dogs list, the dog and owner are placed under restrictions as dictated by the Brevard County Animal Enforcement Ordinance. The dog must be sterilized; the owners must carry at least $100,000 in insurance to cover damages resulting from an attack; and the dog must be kept in a locked enclosure that has a sign declaring the dog dangerous. The county issues special licenses and dog tags to dangerous dogs.
Penalties
Violation of the laws can result in restriction and civil penalties. The fines are up to $500 for every instance. The owner is charged with a second-degree misdemeanor and can be sent to jail for up to 60 days, according to Florida Statutes 775.082.4b.
Tags: Brevard County, animal services, Brevard County Animal, dangerous dogs, dogs from, Animal Enforcement