Minnesota Dog and Cat Breeders Act

Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County is revising it’s animal control ordinance, and will require mandatory spay/neuter of all dogs and cats over 6 months of age, with very few exemptions. A license for an unaltered animal does NOT permit breeding of that animal. A hobby breeder permit only allows 2 litters per year (or 19 offspring). Existing code already restricts breeders selling more than 2 litters per year, requiring a “kennel/cattery, pet dealer or commercial breeder” license. Fees for licenses are unknown.

Any one caring for free-roaming or feral cats would be considered an owner and subject to this ordinance. Only feral cat colonies registered with the Division are exempt. Cats will be held by the Division for only 3 days, if the Director “determines that insufficient space exists”, while dogs are to be held a minimum of 5 days. And there are more provisions to analyze.

A public hearing is scheduled for January 15^th! With very short time before this ordinance is scheduled for a first reading, fanciers in Palm Beach County are asking for a postponement in order to review the new language and existing County laws.

Please call ALL county Commissioners AND the county Attorney asking for a postponement of the first reading of the Chapter 4 Animal Code Amendments until February 5^th. This is only fair to allow enough time to understand and analyze the impact of the ordinance changes.

Phone numbers for County Commissioners are below. The County Attorney's phone number is 561-355-2225.

Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners

Government Center

301 North Olive Avenue, 12th Floor

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Commissioner Addie Greene, Chairperson

Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners

Email: Agreene@co.palm-beach.fl.us

Phone: 561-355-2207

561-276-1350 (South County)

FAX: 561-355-6332

Commissioner Jeff Koons, Vice-Chair