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By Robert C. Solera, Community Development Director
The City of Sunny Isles Beach Community Development Department enforces regulations as passed by the City Commission as well as countywide laws as passed by the Miami-Dade County Commission. On October 7, 2008 the County Commission passed a Law that became part of Section 5 of the County Code, a Section already adopted by the City including any modifications.
The new Law now a part of Section 5 prohibits the tethering of dogs. Tethering is restraining a dog by tying it to any object or structure, including without limitation a house, tree, fence, post, garage, or shed, by any means, including without limitation a chain, rope, cord, leash or running line. By nature, dogs require socialization. Dogs housed in this method and subjected to this type of restrain experience a ‘fight or flight’ response. The American Veterinary Medical Association states to: “Never tether or chain your dog because this can contribute to aggression.”
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) took a position in 1997 by enforcing the Federal Animal Welfare Act (FAWA). It concluded that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane because a tether significantly restricts a dog’s movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on the dog’s shelter structure or other objects, further restricting the dog’s movement and potentially causing injury.
In an effort to provide information related to this new law, I am providing this informative article. In addition the Department will be sending to residential zones a letter explaining the new requirements of the law. The letter will provide for a 30-day grace period for residents to become familiar with the law. After the 30-days- period the department will issue a warning to first-time offenders and civil violations after that.
The Department is also coordinating with the Administrative Services Department of the City of Sunny Isles Beach to provide information on the City’s website (www.sibfl.net) for the general public easy review of the code.
This law protects dogs – man’s best friend; dogs are unable to speak for themselves and express how they feel when confined to an area as large as the length of the tethering device. Please treat your pets accordingly, they provide years of satisfaction and undivided affection. There is nothing better than to arrive home and be greeted by a large or small animal that wags its tail in gratitude for the meal and a place to stay.
This law is not enforced in an attempt to restrict the enjoyment of pet ownership but rather to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the citizenry and visitors of Sunny Isles Beach, as well as to protect the animal in question.
Also, as a reminder, do not allow your dog to run at-large unleashed. The majority of dog bites occur as a result of this type of negligence on the part of the dog owner. Enforcement action can range from civil fines, to the capture and impounding of a loose dog. Additionally, criminal action can be brought against those who violate the Animal Cruelty and Dangerous Dog Statutes.
Florida is a no-fault state and dog owners’ are liable for any damage done by said dog. Penalties can include imprisonment or fines in excess of $10,000.00, as well as other civil liability. The best thing dog owners can do for themselves and their pet is to ensure that their dog is kept under competent supervision, leashed, or contained in an appropriate manner. Furthermore, please insure that you vaccinate your dog(s) and cat(s) against rabies as required by City and County law.
Did you know?
Sunny Isles Beach enforces Miami-Dade County’s Animal Control Ordinance, Chapter 5, as adopted.
- A new Dog Park is now available at the Senator Gwen Margolis Park, 17815 North Bar Road (even though the park is temporarily closed, the Bone Zone is open.)
- Section 5-4: Prohibits dog owners’ from bringing their dogs into any public park or public beach. Violators are subject to a minimum fine of $50.00.
- Section 5-5: Requires animal owners’ to immediately remove any animal defecation deposited by their pets on public and in some instances private property. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $200.00.
- Section 5-6a: Prohibits anyone, who owns or harbors any dog(s), from allowing their dogs to run at-large unleashed onto any public and in some instances private property. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $350.00.
Here’s the list of 11 Dog-Friendly Parks in Miami-Dade County where your dog has to be on a leash (check miami-dade.gov):
Dog Parks
Designated Dog Parks are usually located within a larger park and allow dogs to frolic and play and run free within a fenced-off area. They feature site furniture and equipment for dogs to play with and perform stunts. Additional features include shade structures, hosing stations, water fountains for both pets and owners, and “Mutt Mitts” or bag dispensers and waste baskets, so owners can pick up after their pooches (a.k.a. dogs).
Miami-Dade Parks currently has three designated Dog Parks:
At the Amelia Earhart Bark Park Fido can run, jump and do stunts across five acres. Amenities include paved walkways, benches, shade trees, waste dispenser stations, and specially designed drinking and spray fountains for dogs and their owners.
The Northeast Regional Dog Park at East Greynolds Park, very popular among dog owners in the area, is 1.76 acres and is divided into two sections, one for small dogs and another for larger dogs. The two sections feature fencing, landscaping, walkways, shade structures, site furniture, hosing stations, water fountains for both pets and owners, and “Mutt Mitts” or bag dispensers and waste baskets so owners can pick up after their dog.
Dog Run Parks
A Dog Run is a park with a dedicated fenced area for owners to exercise their dogs and let them roam without wearing leashes. However, unlike a Dog Park, a Dog Run Park doesn’t have water facilities or dispensers or waste baskets. Currently, there is one Dog Run facility located at Lago Mar Park. Keep an eye out and an ear cocked for a future Dog Run site planned for Tropical Park.
Now that you know about all the fun there is to have, bring your best bud out for a fun day of play and meeting other hounds at your Miami-Dade Parks! …Woof! Woof!
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