§ 14-27. Adoption by reference, construction and purpose.

The Board adopts by reference as part of this chapter, all laws of the State of Florida relating to animal control, animal welfare, and animal cruelty. It is the intent of the Board that this chapter shall supplement the provisions of state law, including required procedures, and that in the event of any conflict between the terms of this chapter and state law, state law shall control. This Ordinance is enacted with the primary purpose of insuring the health of the human residents and visitors of the county and with the secondary purpose of insuring the health of the animals in the county. This Ordinance is to be liberally construed to affect those objectives.

The Ordinance is established to support the mission of animal services, as established by the Board of County Commissioners: To ensure compliance with local and State animal-related laws; to return strays to their owners and promote the adoption of homeless animals to new families; and to work toward ending the community problem of pet overpopulation.

(Ord. No. 2013-33, § 2)