responsible pet ownership - justice clearinghouse...provided services •mobile spay/neuter –our...

Responsible Pet Ownership Course

Welcome!

Overview• Introduction• About Animal Services• Provided Services• Proper Care• Animal Behavior and Socialization• Ownership Liability• Ordinance Violations• Rabies Virus and Animal Bites• Special Investigations

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

• Class Instructor

– Name

– Position

– Time with Animal Services

Introduction

• Class Rules

– Respect your classmates and the instructor

– Questions are welcome, please raise your hand and wait to be recognized

– We acknowledge you may be required to take this course as a result from a citation; please understand that we will not discuss your specific case

Introduction

• Completion Certificate

– You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of class

• If you didn’t pre-register for this course your certificate will be mailed to you

– If you are required to complete the course and show proof to the Orange County Courthouse we will send a copy for you

– Sleeping through this course will result in us withholding your certificate; you will have to register and take the course again

Introduction

• Class Goals, we hope you:

– Leave this course having learned something new

– Understand the role of Animal Services in the community

– Know what is expected of you as a pet owner in Orange County

– Are prepared to be a responsible pet owner!

ABOUT ANIMAL SERVICES

About Animal Services

• History

– Created in 1969 to assist in preventing the spread of the Rabies Virus

– We are one of many Divisions of Orange County Government under the Board of County Commissioners

– We are funded by tax dollars

– As a government agency we are an open admission shelter for pets of Orange County


• Over the years we have expanded to include new programs:

– Adoptions

– Sterilization Services

– Rabies Vaccinations

– Microchipping

– Rescue Partnerships

– Foster Program


• Our Mission:

– Protect the citizens and animals of Orange County

• Our Vision:

– Give abandoned and neglected pets the opportunity to find safe, loving, forever homes


• Customer Service Section

– The Front Desk

• Direct people in our facility

• Process adoption applications

• Assist people with reclaiming lost pets

– Animal Services Specialists

• Direct incoming phone calls

• Assist people with obtaining permission to trap and trap rentals


• Communications Section

– Marketing and Public Relations

• Oversee our Facebook page and online presence

• Create advertisements and work with the media

• Create and oversee promotions and special events

– Foster Care

• Help place animals in temporary homes to recover until they’re ready for adoption

– Animal Rescue Partnerships

• Work with our partnered Rescue agencies to help special needs animals


• Sheltering Section

– Kennel

• Oversee the housing and feeding of animals at our facility

• Assist citizens with interactions for the adoption process


• Sheltering Section

– Volunteer Program

• Donate time to socialize and interact with animals at our shelter

• Help citizens looking to adopt an animal with the interaction process

• Programs for Teenagers and Juniors to help too!– Ages 16 to 18 may volunteer during operating hours with parent/guardian approval

– Under 16 may volunteer with a parent/guardian


• Care Section

– Veterinarians

• We have 3 on staff veterinarians who care for the animals at our facility

• We also have contract veterinarians and work with outside agencies for special need cases

– Clinic

• We are a spay/neuter limited treatment center

• We do not offer veterinary services to the public

• Assist the veterinarians with their duties caring for the animals


• Enforcement Section

– Animal Services Officers

• Respond to complaints and violations of the County Ordinance

• Take part in community operations to improve Orange County

– Dispatch

• Responsible for directing the Officers to calls within the County

– Administrative Staff

• Support the Officers and coordinate the various enforcement programs such as citations, animal bites, and this course


• By the Numbers

– Impounds: 18,896

– Adoptions: 8,348

– Ordinance Violation Complaints: 37,917

PROVIDED SERVICES

Provided Services

• Adoptions

– Animals in our custody are available for adoption after their hold period has passed

– Hold times are based upon sign of ownership at impound:

• Collar with tags

• Microchip

– Hold times:

• 3 days without sign of ownership

• 5 days with sign of ownership

• Surrendered animals may be available immediately

Provided Services

• Adoptions Continued

– Adoption Fee:

• Dogs: $55

• Cats: $40

– Adoption includes:

• Sterilization

• Rabies Vaccination and Tag

• Microchip

• A new best friend!

Provided Services

• Off-Site Adoptions

– In addition to the animals at our facility we attend off-site adoption events on the weekends

• The off-site adoption schedule is available online at our website www.ocnetpets.com

– We also partner with PETCO to house cats available for adoption at their retail stores in Orange County

http://www.ocnetpets.com/

Provided Services

• Mobile Spay/Neuter

– Our mobile clinic goes out into the community to offer spay and neuter services for the public

– Mobile sterilization events are first come, first serve, with limited space

– Only one pet per household

– Pets in need of a rabies vaccination may receive one for $5

– Visit www.ocnetpets.com for our upcoming schedule!

http://www.ocnetpets.com/

Provided Services

• Mobile Spay/Neuter

– Fees:

• Dog Spay: $25

• Dog Neuter: $15

• Cat Spay: $20

• Cat Neuter: $10

– Orange County Citizens who meet the 100% federal poverty level or receive Medicaid benefits are eligible to have their pet sterilized free of charge

Provided Services

• Why Sterilize?

– In addition to helping reduce or eliminate certain health issues in pets sterilization helps with overpopulation

– Sterilization may also reduce unwanted behaviors and limit the desire of your pet to roam, meaning they are less likely to run away!

– Did you know…

Provided Services

Provided Services

• Events

– Adoption Events:

• Many throughout the year such as ‘Cinco de Meow’ where adoption fees are reduced or waived

– Appreciation Events:

• Barktoberfest is our annual Rescue appreciation event at Lake Eola

– Local Radio and TV spots:

• Pet of the Day segments with K92FM, CW, and Fox

Provided Services

• Community Outreach

– Community Action Team (CAT)

• Animal Services Officers take time during the week to help educate communities on the County Ordinance to help prevent violations

– Public Education

• We attend school presentations to help teach children how to act and react to animal interactions

Provided Services

• Community Outreach, continued

– Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR)

• We work with citizens who have feral cat colonies or nuisance cat concerns that are in need of sterilization

• Animals are trapped, brought to Animal Services, sterilized, and return to their neighborhood where they help control pest populations

Provided Services

• Community Outreach, continued

– Community Clean Ups

• Our Officers volunteer their time to assist in community clean up projects

– HOA or Community Meetings

• When requested, we send a representative to speak to HOA or Community meetings

– Contact us at (407)836-3111 for more information about these opportunities

Provided Services

• Ordinance Enforcement

– Our Officers operate 365 days a year, including holidays

– Issue civil citations for violations of County Ordinances

– Assist law enforcement with investigations

– May direct people to citizen’s dispute hearings to remedy ongoing conflict between neighbors

PROPER CARE

Proper Care

• Shelter

– When living outside of your residence your pet is required to have a shelter which can protect it from the elements at all times

– Outdoor shelters are subject to guidelines approved by the County to ensure your pet is safe

Proper Care

• Food

– You are required to provide your pet with food on a daily basis

• Water

– Your pet must have access to clean drinking water at all times

Proper Care

• Veterinary Care

– If your pet becomes injured or sick, you are responsible for obtaining necessary veterinary care for your pet

– Orange County requires your animal maintain a current rabies vaccination

BEHAVIOR AND SOCIALIZATION

Behavior and Socialization

• Canine Body Language

– Understanding the body language of your pet can help you identify potential risky situations

– An important distinction to note is the difference between a tail that is wagging and one that is flagging

• The next slides will help illustrate this difference


• Feline Body Language

– Like their canine counterparts, cats use body language to convey their feelings


• Socialization

– The interactions of your pet with other animals and people to expose it to different situations

– A very important step in learning the demeanor, likes, and dislikes of your pet


• Socialization

– Should be conducted in a controlled manner to help reduce risks and anxiety for the pet

– Can make your pet more friendly and comfortable to different situations!

OWNERSHIP LIABILITY

Ownership Liability

• Damages by Dogs

– Under Florida Statute Chapter 767 owners of dogs may be held liable (responsible) for damages caused by their pet

– Just like children, you’re responsible for your dogs’ actions!

– Damages may include:

• Medical bills for injuries

• Veterinary bills

• Destruction of property

ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS

Ordinance Violations

• Animal Services is a Code Enforcement agency responsible for Orange County Ordinance Chapter 5-50

• As a Code Enforcement agency we are not sworn law enforcement

• Our Officers undergo a certification process and continuing education


• Citizens who believe a violation has occurred are able to report that to our agency

• We respond to all complaints received

• Methods of reporting include:

– Orange County 311 (407-836-3111)

– Over the Counter (coming in to our facility)

– Crimeline (1-800-423-8477)*

• Crimeline takes anonymous tips for criminal activity only


• We issue warnings and citations for violations of the County Ordinance

• Citations are a civil penalty with a maximum fine of $500 per violation

• Citations are based upon probable cause, which can be reached by officer observation of a violation or by a witness providing a sworn statement


• Citation history follows the person, not their pet

• Failing to respond to a citation or paying the court appointed fine may result in your drivers license being suspended, a lien being placed on you for outstanding fines, or both

• Receiving a citation also bars you from adopting a pet from our Shelter for one (1) calendar year from the date your citation was issued

• Any person who receives a citation has the right to a hearing in Orange County Court, referred to as contesting the citation


• At Large– Allowing your dog to be off leash is against County Ordinance

– Your dog may also be considered at large if not properly confined to your property and not under direct supervision

– This is the most common violation and often leads to more serious offenses• Remember: your dog may act differently when they are the leader of their

own pack instead of following your rules and instruction!

– Category II violation with fines ranging from $110 to a mandatory court appearance


• Acting Aggressive

– When your pet exhibits aggressive behavior toward another person or animal it may be a violation

– Forms of aggressive behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Growling, snarling, or sustained barking

• Lunging, charging, or chasing

• Attacking without causing injury

– Aggression is subjective to the individual the action is directed toward

– It is very important you maintain control of your pet so it is not able to pursue aggressive action toward someone or other animals


• Damage or Destroy Property

– If your pet causes damage to, or destroys, property it is a violation

– Similar to children, you are responsible for the actions of your pet

– Depending upon the incident, and who is involved in the incident, you may also be responsible for the cost of the damages under Florida Statute 767

– Animal Services does not enforce the payment of damages but the owner of the damaged property may take legal action against a pet owner for repayment


• Chaining

– Improper use of a Restraining Device

• Restraining devices are required to be less than one-eighth the total weight of the pet they are being used for; ex. If you have a 8lbs. Dog, the restraining device should not weigh more than 1lb.

• Restraining devices should provide at least 10’ (feet) of unrestricted movement

• Pets may not be restrained during times of extreme weather conditions

– Use of a Restraining Device during restricted hours

• Restricted hours are between 9:00am and 5:00pm

• During these hours a pet may not be placed on a restraining device and left unsupervised


• Neglect, or failure to provide:– Shelter from the elements

• When outside of your home pets must have accessible shelter to protect them from adverse weather conditions at all times

– Food• Pets must be provided a meal daily or have food accessible at all times

– Water• Pets must have access to clean water for drinking at all times

– Veterinary Care• You must provide your pets with the veterinary care necessary to treat injuries or

illness


• Fail to Remove Excreta

– It is a violation to not clean up after your pet

– In addition to the emotions that come with stepping in a mess there are health hazards and other detriments:

• Attracts pests such as cockroaches and flies

• Runoff from pet waste can contaminate water sources

• Causes undesirable smells noticeable to neighbors, which may result in complaints


• Rabies Vaccinations– Fail to have a current rabies vaccination

• Pets over 4 months of age must be vaccinated against the rabies virus

• Rabies vaccinations are only recognized when administered by a Veterinarian

• This is the only vaccination required by the County Ordinance

• Have your vaccination certificate in an easily accessible location, it may be requested by our agency and you will have to show vaccination history if you need to board your pet in most boarding facilities

– Fail to display a current rabies tag• Pets are required to display their rabies tag at all times

RABIES AND ANIMAL BITES

Rabies and Animal Bites

• What is Rabies?

– Rabies is a virus which affects the nervous system of its host

– It is a ‘zoonotic’ disease, meaning it can affect multiple species of the mammal family

• This also means Rabies may be passed from an animal to a human

– Rabies can be fatal if treatment is not received in a timely manner


• How Rabies Affects Animals– Initially, there may be no noticeable signs a host is carrying the rabies virus

– As the virus takes hold in the brain it will begin to control certain behaviors and actions within the host; these symptoms typically take on two main forms:• Dumb Rabies

– Symptoms include lethargy, fear of water, and/or sporadic behavior changes

• Aggressive Rabies– The most widely known and thought of rabies depiction includes the host becoming

aggressive and attempting to attack anything it comes in contact with

– The virus will replicate until the point it is prepared to seek out a new host


• Symptoms of Rabies:

– Early symptoms are nonspecific, such as fever, headache, malaise

– Neurological symptoms may include Insomnia, Anxiety, Confusion, Paralysis, Excitation, Hallucinations, Agitation, Hypersalivation, Difficulty swallowing, and Fear of water

– Death usually occurs within days of symptoms beginning

– Some symptoms are similar to other diseases common in animals, such as distemper


• How Rabies is Transmitted

– Once communicable, meaning the virus is ready to infect a new host, it will move to the salivary glands where it is shed from the body

– Contact with rabies infected saliva is the primary transmission from host to host

– It is also possible for the virus to transfer to a new host when contact is made with nervous tissue, such as the brain


• Exposure Risks– Animal Bites

• When an animal causes a break to the skin with it’s teeth or mouth where saliva has a direct path into the body

– Saliva contact with Mucous Membranes• Mucous membranes are the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears

– Saliva contact with open wounds• If you have an open cut on your hand and rabies infected saliva comes in contact

with the cut it is possible to contract the virus

– Scratches from wildlife or cats• Cats and certain wildlife bathe themselves by licking; after licking their claws the

virus may be transmitted if they scratch you


• High Risk Vectors (Animal Species)– Raccoons (Local reservoir- primary carrier)

– Bats

– Skunks

– Otters

– Flying Squirrels

– Foxes

– Bobcats

– Feral Cats*


• Low Risk Vectors (Animal Species)– Opossum

– Guinea Pig

– Rabbits and Hares

– Hamster

– Squirrel

– Gerbil

– Chipmunk

– Rat, Mouse, other rodents


• Where does this information come from?

– National Level: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• National authority on communicable diseases

• Every state reports information back to the CDC

• Vast majority of rabies cases are from wildlife

• Less than 10% of reported rabies cases involve domestic animals– Of this percentage the majority are:

» Cats

» Cattle

» Dogs


• Where does this information come from?

– State Level: Florida Department of Health

• Primary agency in the state for all things Rabies

• Each County has a DOH Branch

• DOH in Orange County has two departments

– Environmental Health

» Responsible for overseeing the program within the County

» Handles the documentation and coordination of possible Rabies exposures

– Epidemiology

» Responsible for assisting with the health care of exposed individuals

• Responsible for assisting in creation of state guidelines concerning the Rabies Virus


• Where does Animal Services fit into the Rabies prevention program?– We act as an agent of the Florida Department of Health, assisting

them with investigating possible exposure risks and taking necessary action to protect the health of victims

– We work very closely with the DOH to locate animals, place them in quarantine, submit specimens for testing, and notify their agency of any actions we take

– We also assist them with any other requests they may have, which they reciprocate for us as well


• Quarantine Procedures– An observation period to assess if an animal was spreading the Rabies virus– Pets placed on quarantine are to be kept indoors and away from people or other

animals they do not normally have contact with– Dogs may be taken outside to relieve themselves but are not to be left

unattended and must be brought in immediately after– Rabies Vaccinations during Quarantine:

• Domestic Animals that expose a human should not receive a rabies shot during the quarantine period

• Domestic Animals exposed to wildlife are required to obtain a rabies booster as soon as possible after the incident

• Domestic Animals without a current rabies vaccination are also required to get a second booster at the 150 day mark


• Quarantine Period

– During the quarantine period we are watching for signs and symptoms of the Rabies Virus

– The period depends upon the type of exposure:

• Domestic Animal exposes a Human regardless of vaccination status: 10 days

• Wildlife exposes a Domestic Animal with a current Rabies Vaccination: 45 days

• Wildlife exposes a Domestic Animal without a current Rabies Vaccination: 180 days


• Quarantine Location

– The location depends upon the circumstances of the exposure, the ability to confine the pet, and if there are previous complaints on the pet owner

– Possible locations are:

• Animal Services

• Pet Owner’s Home

• Veterinarian or Boarding Facility

– Animal Services oversees quarantines at our facility

– Florida Department of Health in Orange County oversees all other quarantines


• A note about Rabies Vaccinations:

– After the quarantine slides you may have questions about the rabies vaccination and quarantine such as:

• Why would a vaccinated animal need to be quarantined?

• Why would a vaccinated animal need a booster shot?

– Rabies vaccinations work similar to the Flu shot; they are a preventative but not guaranteed protection


• Rabies Testing– Requires human exposure risk– The animal must be deceased for submission– Specimens are submitted by the Florida Department of Health– Utilized only when necessary on living domestic animals; they are

humanely euthanized for the procedure– Conducted when the animal dies during quarantine or prior to

impoundment– The brain is tested for presence of the Rabies Virus– Florida Department of Health responsible for victim contact and

consultation


• Unknown Location

– In the event the location of the animal responsible for possible human exposure is unknown, Animal Services may:

• Patrol for the animal

• Set a trap for the animal

• Patrols and traps last the duration of the quarantine period, 10 days

– Animals that are located are placed under quarantine

– Results are turned over to the Florida Department of Health


• Post-Exposure Procedures– When an animal is unable to be located, not identifiable, or if the victim

refuses to provide information regarding the incident the Florida Department of Health is notified

– Florida Department of Health will send a medical recommendation to the victim based upon the information available

– Victims may be directed to seek medical attention for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, a series of shots to increase the body’s ability to defend from the Rabies Virus

– The Florida Department of Health will assist with any questions regarding the process and shot series


• Animal Bite Violations– Categorized as Category I violations, bites from domestic animals are

considered one of the worst offenses in the County Ordinance– High risk violation due to the potential impact to the health of the victim– Two possible violations based upon extent of injury:

• Failure to control resulting in a bite: requires victim to be a human• Failure to control resulting in severe injury: victim may be a human or domestic

animal• Severe injury defined as multiple/repeated bite punctures, disfiguring lacerations,

broken bones, or wounds that require reconstructive surgery or sutures

– Fines start at $265 for first offenses and Mandatory Court appearances for any additional infractions

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS

Special Investigations

• Animal Cruelty

– Laws come from Florida Statute Chapter 828

– Law enforcement is responsible for pursuing criminal charges

– We assist law enforcement with the investigation process

– Investigations include:

• Dog Fighting

• Rooster Fighting

• Negligence leading to death or severe medical conditions

• Deplorable living conditions


• Animal Cruelty

– We provide housing for animals whose owners are under investigation or find a secure location for them to go

– Our Veterinarians will provide care while at our facility

– Animals in need of more care than we are able to provide will be sent for additional treatment with one of our veterinary partners

– Owner may be responsible for costs if the animal is returned to them


• Animal Cruelty

– Petition for Custody

• Animal Services may seek custody of an animal if we believe the owner is negligent in caring for their pet resulting in a direct threat to the health and wellbeing of that animal

• Custody is granted by a Judge

• Custody may be sought in addition to any criminal charges law enforcement may be pursuing on the animal owner


• Dangerous Dogs

– Under Florida Statute 767 the State of Florida has established definitions for what may be considered a ‘Dangerous Dog’, the process to classify a dog as Dangerous, and the framework for rules and regulations after classification

– Dogs being considered for classification as ‘Dangerous’ are under a Dangerous Dog Investigation (DDI)


• Dangerous Dogs

– Definitions of a ‘Dangerous’ Dog:

• 767.11(1)(a): Has aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered or has inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private property;

• 767.11(1)(b): Has more than once severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner’s property; or

• 767.11(1)(c): Has, when unprovoked, chased or approached a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack…


• Dangerous Dogs

– Classification is based upon the most recent incident

– Prior violations may be referenced but the current actions must meet the definition

– There is a due process system put in place by Florida Statute 767 for the classification, hearings, and any appeals of such classification

– All stages of the investigation process are subject to time frames and deadlines


• Dangerous Dogs

– Dogs under investigation may be held at Animal Services pending the conclusion of all hearings and appeals

– The Owner has the right to reclaim their animal after classification

– There are requirements for ownership of an animal that has been classified- failure to comply with requirements may result in additional fines

– Negligence of requirements which result in additional violations may be pursued criminally, up to a felony


• Dangerous Dogs

– The Classification Process:

• Initial Determination– Made by Animal Services based upon the investigation of the incident

• Administrative Hearing (by request)– Involved parties are invited to be seen by a hearing officer who will take testimony,

review the evidence, and make a ruling on the initial determination

• Animal Services Classification Committee (by request)– Volunteer citizen board which reviews the investigation conducted by Animal Services,

acts as a check and balance to ensure we are operating within the guidelines of the Statute


• Dangerous Dogs

– The Classification Process Continued:

• Final Order– Issued after any previous appeal period ends or at conclusion of ASCC meeting

– Provides final instructions before ultimate conclusion

• Circuit Court (by request)– Final appeal where the requesting party files for an appeal with the Circuit Court

– An Appellate Judge will review the investigation and enter a ruling, such ruling is final and after which the case is closed


• Dangerous Dogs

– After Classification, Requirements:

• Enclosure with lock

• 4’ Leash

• Muzzle

• Current Rabies Vaccination

• Sterilization

• Posting property

• Property owner authorization


• Dangerous Dogs

– After Classification, Registration:

• Numbered tag for identification

• Microchip

• Registration Certificate

• Annual fee, $515


• Dangerous Dogs

– After Classification, Inspection:

• An Officer will conduct an inspection of the property where the dog will be housed to ensure all required items are at the location

• Inspections are conducted annually

• Failing inspection may result in additional fines


• Intent to Humanely Euthanize– Only applies to dogs– Laws come from Florida Statute 767.12 and 767.13– Reserved for cases:

• Resulting in severe injury to a human (may also be sought as a penalty with DDI)• Resulting in death of a human• When a dog previously declared ‘Dangerous’ attacks and causes injury to a human or

domestic animal

– Owner has legal right to contest the euthanasia• Administrative Hearing• Animal Services Classification Committee• Circuit Court

Questions?

Responsible Pet Ownership Course

Thank you for joining us!

responsible pet ownership - justice clearinghouse...provided services •mobile spay/neuter –our...

Documents