City of Tallahassee Press Release:

City of Tallahassee Animal Services is currently in the process of revising ordinances related to animal care and protection.

The proposed revisions aim to clarify the ordinances so they are more clear, concise and thorough. The purpose and intent of the ordinances is and has been to protect public health and safety and promote the general welfare of citizens and animals residing within the City.

These revisions are necessary for the City to remain current with today’s humane standards for the welfare, care and health of the community’s pet population.

In an effort to keep the public informed, Animal Services will host an open house for citizens to receive information on the proposed revisions. The open house event will be held on Monday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sue Herndon McCollum Community Center in Lafayette Park, located at 403 Ingleside Avenue.

Tables will be set up around the room for different subject area categories affected by the changes, including public health and safety, humane care and treatment, responsible pet ownership and other animal issues.

This format will allow attendees to have an a la carte option for the information they are seeking. Animal Services staff will be available at each station to answer questions. In addition, representatives from the Animal Shelter Foundation, Humane Society of the United States and Pets Ad Litem will be in attendance and available to respond to citizen inquiries.

“Public input, support and understanding of the proposed changes is vital if Tallahassee is to move toward becoming a more humane, responsible and pet friendly community,” said Animal Control Supervisor Lt. Jeff Doyle. “We look forward to receiving input from citizens as we work in tandem with local pet owners to enhance the quality of life for both our human citizens and their pets.”

The draft ordinance is available for viewing online at Talgov.com/Animals. A comment section is also available on the web page.

No major changes to the City’s animal ordinances have been made for over a decade. These proposed revisions will impact the health and safety of everyone in Tallahassee, not strictly our pet population. It is anticipated that the revisions will be presented to the City Commission for their review after the first of the year.

Pet ownership is encouraged and welcomed when it is accompanied by responsible, caring, humane and legal treatment of the animal. Animal Services is operated by the City’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department. For more information, please visit Talgov.com/animals.