DELTONA, Fla. – The Deltona City Commission will meet Tuesday evening to determine whether to adopt a new ordinance regarding animal cruelty.
The ordinance would require dogs and “small domestic animals” to be sheltered during storms or when the temperature outside reaches over 90 degrees.
If the ordinance is passed, those shelters — whether in a home or something like a dog house — would be required to have a solid roof, clean bedding material and enough space for the animal to move comfortably around in.
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In addition, the ordinance lays out the following rules for such animal owners:
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Safe enclosures: Animals kept in an outdoor enclosure would need at least 25 square feet of space, along with an additional 25 square feet for any other animal kept in the enclosure. These enclosures would also need to be cleaned regularly, free of dangerous objects and have a shelter to escape into during times of extreme weather.
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Daily exercise: Animals must be given an appropriate amount of exercise each day, depending on factors like age, health and breed.
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Calamities: Animals require clean water, dry ground, shade and shelter from extreme weather and natural calamities.
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Left in a car: Animals may not be kept in unattended vehicles without sufficient ventilation or in conditions that put their well-being at risk, such as lack of water or extreme heat.
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Traveling in a car: Animals may not be transported in any sort of “open-air design” vehicle unless the animals are “safely and humanely restrained.”
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Saving animals: If someone breaks into a locked car to save a domestic animal trapped within, they won’t face civil liabilities for damage if they’ve already notified law enforcement. People who do so will be required to remain with the animal at a safe location near the car until law enforcement or Animal Control arrives.
The city council meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. If the ordinance is passed, it will take effect immediately.
The full draft ordinance has been attached and can be read in the media viewer below.
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