2023-02-07 VII. A. Council Meeting Dates 2023-Okee News Article MINUTE FILE
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DRIVERS LICENSES ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE
Operation Green Okeechobee County's animal control
Light to begin ordinance updated
SPECIAL TO LAKE outstanding court obli- By Katrina Elsken conditions; a time or for more than during a period of se-
OKEECHOBEE NEWS gations and have their LAKE OKEECHOBEE NEWS •Free of standing eight hours in a 24-hour vere weather,including,
HENDRY COUN- license reinstated. OKEECHOBEE water,accumulated period,except when the but not limited to,tor-
TY—In the State of Contact the Hendry —Changes to the waste and debris; followingconditions are nadoes,tropical storms,
Florida,driver licenses County Clerk of Courts g P
can be revoked as a office at 863-675-5209 Okeechobee County •Provide adequate met: or hurricanes.
penalty when traffic between the hours of Animal Control Ordi- ventilation;and, •The animal is in •Multiple animals
tickets or other court 8:30 a.m.to 4:45 p.m. nance which was updat- •Provide a solid the visual range of the must be tethered sepa-
obligations go unpaid. or www.hendryclerk. ed on Jan. 1,prohibits surface flooring area, responsible party,or rate)During Operation org for more infor- Y•
Green Light,the Clerk mation on Operation the feeding of feral cats resting platform,pad, the responsible party is The ordinance sets
of Courts office will Green Light in Hend- on public property and mat or similar provision located outdoors with limits on the number
work with individuals to ry County,March 20 prohibits leaving a dog of adequate size for the the animal; of animals allowed on a
lower or waive fees,so through 24. chained or tied for more animal to lie upon in a •The tether shall: residential and
they can pay back their than four hours at a comfortable manner. Be a minimum of ten property
sets minimum standards
GET INVOLVED time. The county ordi- feet in length or at least for shelter,
The updated ordi- nance also makes it five times the length of Limits the number of
Wi I I town hall meetings nance prohibits feeding unlawful to keep stray the animal;terminate at animals on residential
of feral cats on private or lost animals.The both ends with a swivel; properties include:
continue? property without the ordinance states:"It not weigh more than •Dogs and cats:On
written approval of the shall be unlawful for any 1/16 of the animal's residential parcels of
By Cathy Womble general public. property owner.It also person in the county weight;and,fastened on
LAKE OKEECHOBEE NEWS Councilman Noel one-half acre or less,
OKEECHOBEE Chandler said he agreed prohibits the feeding to harbor or keep any one end to an overhead there may be no more
—Okeechobee City with the mayor.It is too of feral cats on public stray or apparently lost pulley/running line.
Council meetingdates much work for the staff property.It states:"The animal unless he/she than a combination of
P Y• The overhead four cats and dogs over
for 2023 were discussed and only two or three animal control division has notified the animal pulley/running line
during the city council's people show up. shall reduce the animal control division with- shall:Be at least 15 feet six months of age.On
Feb.7 meeting,and Councilmember populations,by trap and in 24 hours from the in length;be no less larger parcels,there may
the subject of town hall Monica Clark suggested removal,at locations time such animal came than five feet above the be a combination of
meetings was brought holding a casual town six dogsand cats over
up.Mayor Dowling hall meeting first and where feral cats are into his/her posses- ground;and,be secured
Watford said he felt the then the council meet- being fed in violation of sion.Upon receiving on each end to a fixed the age of six months.
meetings were unnec- ing after.She said she this section,if deemed such notice,the animal •location.(4)The tether Properties zoned Rural
essary because every thought it should be the necessary for public control division may must be fastened on Residential may harbor
city council meeting is last try.If people do not
no more than 10 dogs
open to the public,and come,they should stop health and safety." require the person to one end to a properly g
the town hall meetings holding them. The ordinance bring the animal to the fitting body harness or and cats over the age of
they have had in the No decision was requires animals be animal control division buckle-type collar made six months.
past were not very well made. provided with shelter for identification or of nylon or leather and •Horses and cows
attended.He said he The town hall meet- that meets minimum sheltering,if must not be a prongor and other animals that
thought they should be ings were instituted after gnecessary.
reserved for times when Councilmember Jarriel standards: It shall be unlawful for choke collar. are temporary 4-H or
there was something was elected.He felt •Sufficient in size any person to refuse to •The tether shall be FFA projects may be
major happening in the strongly about making to allow the animal to surrender any such stray free from entanglement harbored on residential
city such as the charter sure the citizens have a stand up,tum around, animal to an animal or other obstructions at parcels.
review. voice.The council has lie down and stretch control officer or law all times; •Other tradition-
Councilmember Bob held town hall meetings
Jarriel said he would twice a year for the last comfortably; enforcement officer •The animal shall al livestock are only
like to continue the four years,but they •Designed to protect upon the request of such have access to potable permitted on residential
town hall meetings but have been poorly-at- the animal from the representative of the an- water,shelter and dry parcels if they have Ru-
change the format.He tended. adverse effects of the imal control division." ground at all times; ral Residential zoning
would like the admin- If you would like the and t elemens provide The ordinance also •An animal shall not and Agriculture griculture zoning.
istrator to let the public town hall meetings to
know what is planned continue,make your access to shade from makes it unlawful to be tethered while sick, According to the
for the year.He thinks voice heard.Attend a direct sunlight and tie,chain or otherwise injured or in distress; ordinance,it is unlawful
the agenda should be regular council meeting. regress from exposure tether an animal for •An animal shall to permit an animal to
more interesting to the Call city hall.Let them to inclement weather more than four hours at not be tethered outside run at large.
know how you feel.