828.22 Humane Slaughter Act; humane slaughter and livestock euthanasia; requirements.— (1) Sections 828.22-828.26 may be cited as the “Humane Slaughter Act.” (2)(a) The Legislature of this state finds that the use of humane methods in the killing of livestock prevents needless suffering, results in safer and better working conditions for persons engaged in the slaughtering industry or other […]
828.23 Definitions; ss. 828.22-828.26.—As used in ss. 828.22-828.26, the following words shall have the meanings indicated: (1) “Department” means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. (2) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association doing business in this state, in whole or in part. (3) “Slaughter” means the act of killing one or more livestock animals for any […]
828.24 Prohibited acts; exemption.— (1) No person shall kill an animal in any way except by an approved humane method. (2) No person shall shackle or hoist with intent to kill any animal prior to rendering the animal insensitive to pain. (3) Nothing in this section precludes the enforcement of s. 828.12 relating to cruelty to animals. History.—s. 1, […]
828.25 Administration; rules; inspection; fees.— (1) The department shall administer the provisions of ss. 828.22-828.26. It shall adopt and may from time to time revise rules, which rules must conform substantially to and must not be less restrictive than the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States pursuant to the federal […]
828.251 Instruction.—The department, in conjunction with the State University System, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and humane animal groups, shall make available to slaughterers the most current technical information. Such information may be in video or manual format, or another widely accepted media format. History.—s. 41, ch. 2001-279.
828.252 Nonambulatory animals.—This section acknowledges that natural emergencies may arise and that, even under recognized best management practices, injury may occur. In all cases, nonambulatory animals must be dealt with in a humane manner. (1) As used in this section, the term “nonambulatory animal” means any livestock that is unable to stand and walk unassisted. (2) A person […]
828.26 Penalties.— (1) Any person who violates the provisions of ss. 828.22-828.26 and any rule associated with these sections shall be subject to an administrative fine of up to $10,000 for each violation. (2) Unless otherwise provided, any person who violates any provision of ss. 828.22-828.26 commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. […]
828.27 Local animal control or cruelty ordinances; penalty.— (1) As used in this section, the term: (a) “Animal” means any living dumb creature. (b) “Animal control officer” means any person employed or appointed by a county or municipality who is authorized to investigate, on public or private property, civil infractions relating to animal control or cruelty and to issue […]
828.28 Local animal licensing ordinances; notices.— (1) Any county or municipality that has a licensing requirement for dogs must provide notice to dog owners at least 45 days prior to any licensure renewal deadline. The notice must contain information describing the licensing requirements and any associated penalties. (2) Counties and municipalities with licensing requirements are encouraged to develop […]
828.29 Dogs and cats transported or offered for sale; health requirements; consumer guarantee.— (1)(a) For each dog transported into the state for sale, the tests, vaccines, and anthelmintics required by this section must be administered by or under the direction of a veterinarian, licensed by the state of origin and accredited by the United States Department of […]
828.30 Rabies vaccination of dogs, cats, and ferrets.— (1) All dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months of age or older must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian against rabies with a vaccine that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture for use in those species. The owner of every dog, cat, and ferret shall have […]
828.40 Short title.—Sections 828.40-828.43 may be cited as the “Florida Animal Enterprise Protection Act.” History.—s. 9, ch. 93-13.
828.41 Definitions relating to Florida Animal Enterprise Protection Act.—As used in ss. 828.40-828.43, the term: (1) “Animal enterprise” means: (a) A commercial or academic enterprise that uses animals for food or fiber production, agriculture, research, or testing; (b) A zoo, aquarium, circus, rodeo, or lawful competitive animal event; or (c) Any fair or similar event intended to advance agricultural arts […]
828.42 Animal enterprise disruption; criminal penalties.— (1) A person who intentionally causes physical disruption to the property, personnel, or operations of an animal enterprise by intentionally stealing, damaging, or causing the loss of, any property, including animals or records, used by the animal enterprise, and thereby causes economic damage, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable […]
828.43 Injunction.—In a case of ongoing animal enterprise disruption, the aggrieved animal enterprise may obtain injunctive relief. History.—s. 12, ch. 93-13.
