ABANDONED ANIMALS

Each year, Pinellas County Animal Services handles numerous reports concerning abandoned animals. These incidents vary from pets being released into neighborhoods to owners leaving pets behind after eviction. Often, these animals are left to survive on their own, and the individuals responsible are not identified. Most cases of abandoned animals fall under Pinellas County Ordinance 14-33, which states:

Sec. 14-33  Abandonment of animals

(a)  Anyone who owns, possesses, or has custody of an animal and abandons it, causing it to suffer injury or malnutrition, or leaves it in any street, road, private property, or public place without ensuring its care, sustenance, protection, and shelter, is in violation of this article.

(b)  Releasing any non-indigenous animal species within the county without a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is a violation of this article.

(c)  Upon receiving affidavits from two unrelated citizens or a report from a law enforcement officer indicating that an animal appears abandoned, or upon learning of the release of a non-indigenous animal, the department may investigate. If necessary, the department is authorized to impound and manage the animal as outlined in this article, with assistance from law enforcement if required. The department will send written notice to the owner, if known, providing the location where the animal can be claimed and the deadline for retrieval.

In certain situations, animals are left at veterinary clinics or boarding facilities. Pinellas County Animal Services often receives requests from these businesses to impound such animals. However, many are unaware of the legal procedures that must be followed. These cases are governed by Florida State Statute 705.19, which outlines the following:

705.19 Abandonment of animals by owner; procedure for handling

(1)  If an animal is left in the care of a licensed veterinarian or legitimate boarding kennel for treatment, boarding, or other services and is abandoned by its owner or agent for over 10 days after written notice has been sent to the owner’s last known address, the animal may be turned over to the nearest humane society or animal shelter for appropriate disposition.

(2)  Providing notice to the owner or their agent, as specified in subsection (1), releases the veterinarian or kennel operator and any custodian who receives the animal from further liability regarding its disposal. This action by a licensed veterinarian does not constitute grounds for disciplinary measures under chapter 474.

(3)  For the purposes of this section, “abandonment” refers to the complete forsaking or failure to fulfill legal obligations for the care and support of an animal by its owner or agent, resulting in the relinquishment of all rights and claims to the animal.

Pinellas County Animal Services advises that business owners send a certified or registered letter to the animal owner’s last known address, stating their intentions for the animal if it remains unclaimed. After receiving the return receipt, the animal should be held for an additional 10 business days. If the owner does not retrieve the animal within this period, the business may proceed with finding a new home for it. Adhering to Florida State Statute 705.19 ensures the best possible outcome for the animal.

Jennifer Renner, B.Sc., CPM (she/her)
Interim Director – Community Outreach & Volunteer Program Manager
Animal Services – Pinellas County Government
12450 Ulmerton Rd – Largo, FL 33774 

jrenner@pinellas.gov   office  727-582-2636