GREEN COVE SPRINGS , Fla
    –Commissioners are working to improve the living conditions and quality of life for pets in Clay County through recent revisions to the Animal Services Ordinance No . 2022 - 14 , which became effective March 8 , 2022 . Amendments to the ordinance covering animal owners’ responsibilities , regulation for breeders of dogs and cats , and the issuance of fines for violations are intended to ensure the health , safety , and welfare of all pets in Clay County . The full ordinance will be posted here:
   https://library . municode . com/fl/clay_county/codes/code_of_ordinances
    .
   Section 4 - 23
   
   Animal Cruelty , Animal Neglect , and Tethering
    - Tethering of an animal to a stationary object while outdoors is lawful only for dogs that are at least one year of age , in good health , not pregnant or having puppies , and have access to clean , fresh water and food . The ordinance also requires that the tethered dog ( s )
   MUST be in the visible range of the owner or keeper who must also be outside with the dog ( s ) at all times .
   Dog owners who tether dogs outside and are not present will be cited by Animal Control Officers . Animal Control Officers are also authorized to remove tethered dogs behaving aggressively where the dog is accessible by children or the public without a secured fence or enclosure .
   Section 4 - 30 Enforcement , Penalty , and Proceedings for Violation
    - Animal Control Officers have the authority to issue a written warning or citation to any person found to be in violation of any portion of Ordinance 2022 - 14 . The written warning will identify the violation and demand it be corrected within a reasonable amount of time . Failure to correct the violation will result in a civil infraction punishable by a maximum fine of $500 , pursuant to Florida Statutes , section 828 . 27 .  
   Section 4 - 37 Breeders of Cats and Dogs ( C ) Hobby Breeder -
    Any person or entity that engages in the breeding of up to three female dogs or cats on their property must obtain an annual license from Clay County Animal Services . Licenses are issued after an inspection determines the property meets the minimum requirements identified by the ordinance to protect the health and safety of animals and people on the property . Hobby Breeders may keep only one species of dog or cat , and only one breed of that animal on the property . No more than two litters or 20 puppies or kittens , whichever is greater , can be produced annually per Hobby Breeder .   Hobby Breeder license holders are subject to random inspections and routine investigations of complaints without notice and annual inspections with 24 - hour notice .   Hobby Breeders found in violation of the ordinance may have their license revoked and may be subject to penalties as outlined in Florida Statutes 828 . 27 .
   Any breeder of dogs or cats in Clay County with more than three breeding females on their property , regardless of ownership , must be licensed through the U . S . Department of Agriculture as a Federal Commercial Breeder . Any breeder not licensed as a Federal Commercial Breeder must be registered and licensed with Clay County Animal Services as a Hobby Breeder .
   A Hobby Breeder’s license guidelines and application can be downloaded at:  
   https://www . claycountygov . com/community/animal - services/hobby - breeders
    .   Completed forms can be submitted with the $100 application fee to Clay County Animal Services at 3984 State Road 16 west in Green Cove Springs . Applicants will be contacted to schedule an inspection of the breeding facility .   A license will be issued upon an approved inspection . For more information call Clay County Animal Services at 904 - 269 - 6342 .  
   Clay County Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Wayne Bolla said , “The amendments to our Animal Services Ordinance have been made in the interest of promoting responsible pet ownership and protecting the health , safety , and welfare of the citizens of Clay County . ” Chairman Bolla added , “Commissioners will not tolerate animal neglect nor abuse in Clay County , and the regulations in this ordinance are intended to prevent it . ”
   
   

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