According to [Florida] State Code Chapter767 “DAMAGE BY DOGS” Section 14 ‘Additional local restrictions authorized’, local governments are prohibited from enacting regulations specific to breed. However, the section is not applicable to any local ordinance that was adopted prior to October 1, 1990.
In 1985, Tamarac adopted Section 4-6 Article II – Pit Bull Dogs. A pit bull is described as any dog that exhibits distinguishing characterstics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club for American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or to standards established by the United Kennel Club for American Pit Bull Terriers.
This local ordinance made it unlawful for any person to house, maintain or harbor within the city any dog which substantially conforms to the standards unless following strict regulations such as containing the dog within a residence or locked premise such as a totally enclosed and lockable pen, muzzled and on a leash of no greater length than 8 feet; registering the dog and paying an annual fee of $50.00; and, obtaining a $1,000,000 liability insurance.
Currently Tamarac Talk is suggesting that officials either “Enforce it or Lose it”.
According to the article from September 27th, Tamarac currently has more than 60,000 residents living in the city that is 15 miles north of Miami-Dade County but only five (5) pit bulls are registered.
Residents are suggesting that officials remove the breed-specific restrictions, stating that the ordinance is rarely, if ever, obeyed or enforced.
Tamarac Officials can be contacted with your POLITE, PROFESSIONAL AND INFORMATIVE correspondance at:
Mayor: Beth Talabisco betht@tamarac.org
District 1: Pam Bushnell Pamela.Bushnell@tamarac.org
District 2: Michelle Gomez Michelle.Gomez@tamarac.org
District 3: Diane Glasser Diane.Glasser@tamarac.org
District 4: Harry Dressler Harry.Dressler@tamarac.org