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'BOOK 'ID I ME <br />The Board reviewed a Memorandum of March 21, 1997: <br />TO: Board of County Commissioners vp <br />FROM: Terrence P. OBrien, Assistant" County Attorney <br />DATE: March 21, 1997 <br />SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING - APRIL 1, 1997 <br />AMENDMENT TO ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE - CH. 302 <br />The proposed ordinance amends Chapter 302 - Animal Control and Kennel <br />Regulations to reflect applicable state laws. <br />Staff recommends that the Board approve the attached ordinance. <br />Emergency Services Director Doug Wright reviewed the changes <br />to the ordinance and felt these changes will facilitate <br />enforcement. <br />Commissioner Macht questioned recovering the costs of <br />administration, and Director Wright advised there is a $50 <br />registration fee in addition to the regular charge for the license. <br />Commissioner Macht felt this really amounts to a license to <br />keep a dangerous animal and recalled a personal experience where a <br />child was disfigured for life as well as a recent incident where <br />the majority of the "letters to the editor" were in support of the <br />dog. <br />Commissioner Ginn asked for the definition of "dangerous" dog, <br />and Deputy County Attorney Will Collins read portions of Florida <br />Statutes, Chapter 767. <br />Director Wright stated that the cost of one significant recent <br />incident was approximately $20,000. <br />Commissioner Ginn recalled an incident where her daughter was <br />bitten by a dog and required extensive hospitalization. <br />After further discussion, staff was directed to come back with <br />recommended increases in fees regarding the administration charges <br />in dealing with vicious dogs. <br />The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone <br />wished to be heard in this matter. <br />David Radabaugh of the Humane Society noted that hundreds of <br />animal bite cases are brought to the Society each year and they are <br />required to keep them for 10 days. This is a losing situation for <br />the Humane Society. He noted that properly trained dogs seldom <br />bite but that there is an element of society who seem to want to <br />let dogs run wild and bite. <br />APRIL 19 1997 32 <br />