One city in Florida had fought back and said one family that abandoned their pets to starve to death inside their foreclose house was too many.
Martin County residents who leave their pets behind when they move face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine under a new law adopted Tuesday by the Martin County Commission.
The new ordinance would enable Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputies to arrest people who abandon their pets in a home they are vacating, said Commission Chairman Ed Ciampi. It is based on Sarasota County’s animal abandonment ordinance.
“As far as I’m concerned, this is an anti-cruelty issue for people who — for whatever reason — just up and leave,” Ciampi said. “This was meant to go after a delinquent homeowner who abandons the pet and moves.”
Ciampi said he proposed the animal abandonment ordinance after a county resident told him about a foreclosed house where abandoned pets had been found dead.
“There was nothing they could do about it,” Ciampi said. “There (was) no ordinance that would allow any law enforcement organization to do anything
http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_martin_county/martin-county-makes-it-a-crime-to-leave-pet-behind-in-vacated-home-
glad to hear that somebody is taking action when people commit this horrible act.
Actually I think this penalty is too small, but it is a start.
There is no excuse when the vet will take abandoned pets and shelters will as well. To just leave pets to fend for themselves is simply horrendous
It's a good start – though I agree with Caren that the penalty should be increased.
sounds good!!
Snuggles,
Benny & Lily
I don't understand how people can do that. If I had to give up all my wordly possessions and leave the last thing I would want to do is leave my dog. Pets can help get you through the hardest times with their love and devotion. I am glad to see someone doing something about it.
Good for Martin County. This should be the law EVERYWHERE!
Okay now I've heard it all! Never heard of anyone doing that before. That is just horrendous and so they should be charged. Whatever happened to LOVE and natural affection with some people. Just SAD!!! Even if I was starving I would still share my last morsel with my pets or at the very least give them to a good home. Abandonment is just the ultimate sign of selfishisness and thoughtlessness. Sending dogs by post, abandoning them in empty homes…what's next?
Sounds like this is a good idea for every city, although like others have said the penalty could be more, but something is better than nothing!
i agree wif jen – it should be illegal in every city to abandon an animal when vacating property!
About time somebody stepped up to the plate. Thanks for sharing.