PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA New Year, New Animal Welfare Standards in 2026 The upcoming legislative session beginning on January 13 is busy again with new animal welfare legislation on the table. New laws regarding increased consumer protections for the sale of dogs & cats (SB 1004), the veterinarian’s role in reporting suspected animal cruelty or…

PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA
New Year, New Animal Welfare Standards in 2026
The upcoming legislative session beginning on January 13 is busy again with new animal welfare legislation on the table. New laws regarding increased consumer protections for the sale of dogs & cats (SB 1004), the veterinarian’s role in reporting suspected animal cruelty or neglect (SB 0468) and strengthening criminal penalties for persons committing animal cruelty in the presence of children (HB 0559) have been filed.
In addition, the new statewide animal abuse database through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) goes into effect on January 1, 2026. This database is an integral part of Dexter’s Law passed July 1, 2025, which enhanced the penalties for aggravated animal cruelty. Anyone can access this database on the FDLE website, but it will be a particularly useful tool for animal shelters to screen potential adopters and officers to use for investigative purposes.
Finally, the Board of County Commissioners also passed important revisions to our local animal ordinance governed under Chapter 14 of the Pinellas County Code. Here are the key changes:
⦁ Definitions (14-26) unintentionally removed during the last revision in 2022, were reinstated, including the removal of voice commands from “physical control” of an animal. This means all pets must be leashed.
⦁ The Public Nuisance (14-30) reporting process has been streamlined to allow residents to report a nuisance behavior, such as excessive barking, “pet littering,” or those repeatedly at large using one affidavit in conjunction with video or photo documentation. Previously, a resident was required to submit two affidavits from two separate households.
⦁ Disaster Impoundment (14-48) policies have been modernized based on many proactive strategies Pinellas County has implemented to include pets in disaster plans. The hold time for animals impounded during a local state of emergency has been standardized to 14 days for all animals and the 120-day adopter return clause has been removed.
⦁ Retail Pet Sales, Kennels, Hobby Breeders (14-29) was strengthened to address animal welfare concerns and complaints. Unannounced inspections were increased, upgrades to housing, such as covering wire grate flooring, and additional transparency measures with the submission of monthly transport lists as well as OCVI’s posted on every puppy kennel were added. Animal Welfare penalties were also addressed to include an increase in the citation amount for animal cruelty and neglect violations along with a 7-day pet dealer permit suspension pending an investigation and store owner compliance.
This is only a summary, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like to learn more. Wishing everyone a healthy, prosperous New Year!
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