§ 4-20. Fighting or baiting animals prohibited.

(a)

As used in this section:

(1)

Animal fighting shall mean fighting between dogs or any other wild or domestic animals.

(2)

Baiting shall mean to attack with violence, to provoke, or to harass an animal with one (1) or more animals for the purpose of training an animal for, or to cause an animal to engage in, fights with or among other animals or as further defined in Section 828.122, Florida Statutes.

(3)

Person shall mean every natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, or other legal entity.

(b)

Any person who commits any of the following acts shall be in violation of this section:

(1)

Baiting, breeding, training, transporting, selling, owning, or using any wild or domestic animal for the purpose of fighting or baiting any other animal.

(2)

Knowingly owning, managing, operating, leasing, or having control of any property or any facility kept or used for the purpose of fighting or baiting any animal.

(3)

Owning, possessing, or selling equipment with intent to use it in any activity described in subsection (b)(1) above.

(4)

Promoting, staging, advertising, or charging any admission fee to a fight or baiting between two (2) or more animals.

(5)

Knowingly performing any service or act to facilitate animal fighting or baiting, including, but not limited to, providing security, refereeing, or handling or transporting animals, or being a stakeholder of any money wagered on animal fighting or baiting.

(c)

The provisions of this section shall not apply to:

(1)

Any person simulating a fight for the purpose of using the simulated fight as part of a motion picture which will be used on television or in a motion picture, provided that Section 4-17 of this chapter prohibiting cruelty to animals is not violated.

(2)

Any person using animals to pursue or take wildlife or to participate in any hunting regulated or subject to being regulated by the rules and regulations of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

(3)

Any person using animals to work livestock for agricultural purposes.

(d)

Any person violating this section shall be issued a citation by an officer. Pursuant to Section 4-28, a citation may be appealed by filing a written request for administrative hearing with the Division within ten (10) days after receiving the citation. The Division may, pursuant to Section 828.073, Florida Statutes, impound any dogs or cats or equipment used in committing the violation and shall provide for appropriate and humane care or disposition of the dogs or cats.

(e)

When any wild animal, used for the purpose of fighting or baiting, appears to be injured or otherwise in need of human intervention, an appropriate wildlife rehabilitation center shall be notified for proper care, handling, and disposition.

(Ord. No. 87-21, § 1, 5-12-87; Ord. No. 2002-41, § 1, 10-8-02; Ord. No. 2005-35, § 4, 9-13-05; Ord. No. 2013-24, § 2, 6-11-13; Ord. No. 2015-37 , § 1, 9-10-15)