The state of Florida relinquishes the decision of whether or not to have leash laws to the county level, as there is no statewide leash law. If you are living in or traveling to Florida with a domestic animal, you need to check the leash laws of that particular county to keep you or your animal from getting into trouble with the authorities. Orange County, Florida, does have a leash law, requiring that animals to be controlled by their owners at all times.
Leash Laws
Within the Orange County code of ordinances, it states that all domestic animals must be on a leash when not within the owner's property. If an animal is found roaming without a leash, this is referred to as "running at large." If an Orange County authority finds your animal running at large, a warning or citation may be issued. The animal will be seized and impounded if authorities cannot identify an owner.
Seizing Animals
If your animal is seized by the authorities for running at large, the ordinances require that they animal be taken and held in a humane manner. The ordinances further state that if a person finds a stray animal, she should contact authorities within two days or else claim the animal as her own unless the owner is found within 30 days.
Other Important Information
Make sure your animal is wearing a collar stating your name, address and phone number. This way, if the animal if found running at large, the authorities can contact you.
Reasons for Leash Laws
These laws are intended to protect the safety of the people of Orange County. Such laws also protect the animals themselves. The ordinance states that any animal in heat should be contained within the owner's property. This protects both the female animal in heat and the male animals attracted to her.
Tags: Orange County, running large, your animal, animal found, animal heat