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Staff has reviewed ordinances from other jurisdictions and the model ordinance from the US Humane <br />Society. Ordinances that focus on prohibiting retail sales are favored, but still allow for family and <br />hobby breeders to sell puppies and kittens. A family breeder is a person who will breed their dog for <br />a litter of puppies and sell or give them away to family and friends. A family breeder is also the owner <br />of a female dog who met up with the sneaky neighbor dog and now has a litter of puppies to sell or <br />give away. The breeding is not a regular occurrence with a family breeder. The hobby breeder can <br />be categorized by breeding a specific breed of dog once a year or so and selling the puppies using <br />the Internet or social media. Hobby breeders will also take orders for puppies once their female is <br />pregnant. The hobby and family breeders rarely sell at retail stores and thus are not affected by the <br />ordinance. <br />The draft ordinance is attached for your consideration. This ordinance prohibits the sale of puppies <br />and kittens at retail but allows the sale/adoption of Humane Society and shelter animals at retail <br />stores. <br />Funding: The only impact to County funds is the $126.54 cost to advertise for a public hearing, and <br />is being paid from Account No. 00125062-034910 (General Fund/Animal Control/Legal Ads). <br />Recommendation: Staff recommends the Board conduct the public hearing taking testimony from <br />any interested parties. Staff further recommends the Board approve the proposed ordinance <br />amendment with any changes deemed necessary. <br />Attachment: Proposed Ordinance Amendment <br />Copies to: <br />Tad Stone, Emergency Services Director <br />Jason Ogilvie, Animal Control Manager <br />Ilka Daniels, Humane Society of Vero Beach/Indian River County <br />139 <br />