Florida Pet Law FAQs

• Q: What If My Dangerous Dog Bites Someone Who Is Attempting To Enter My Property Illegally Or Commit A Crime?
  A: If your dog, whether it is considered dangerous or not, bites someone who is attempting to enter your property illegally or commit another crime animal control cannot … More
• Q: My Dog Has Killed Sheep Before. Does This Have Any Legal Affect On How I Need To Care For My Animal?
  A: Yes. If any dog that has been known to kill sheep is found unattended in the open wilderness, it will be considered a run­about dog, and the dog can be lawfully …
• Q: I Found One Of My Animals Being Attacked By Another Dog And I Killed That Dog. Am I Liable Criminally Or To That Dog's Owner For Damages?
  A: No. If any dog is killing or had been trying to kill any other domesticated animal or livestock, the person who killed that dog cannot be charged criminally or be held … More
• Q: My Dog Frequently Gets Loose And Harasses My Neighbor's Dairy Cattle. Am I Liable To My Neighbor For Any Injuries To His Cattle That My Dog May Cause?
  A: You may be. The owner of any dog that harasses, kills or injures any dairy cattle will be responsible for damages to the owner of the cattle. Liability in such cases … More
• Q: What Happens If My Dog That Participates In Law Enforcement Activities Or Assists Persons As A Seeing-Eye Dog Bites Someone?
  A: If you own a dog that participates in activities related to assisting police officers or disabled persons that dog will not be subject to the possibility of quarantine … More
• Q: Is Cockfighting And Dog Fighting Illegal?
  A: Yes. If you train any kind of domesticated animal for fighting, coerce any animal into fighting another animal, purchase or own equipment for use in animal fighting, … More
• Q: Is It Considered Dog Fighting If I Use My Dog For Hunting Or Herding Livestock?
  A: No. If you use your dogs for hunting and herding purposes, which are approved by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, you will not be subject to criminal … More
• Q: Is It Illegal To Abandon My Dog If I Do Not Want To Care For It Anymore?
  A: Yes. If your dog is left in any public place, is enclosed by the owner without adequate food or water, is left in confinement without proper exercise, or is left to … More
• Q: If My Dog Is Sick And Will Not Get Better Can I Kill It Myself Or Do I Need To Take It To A Veterinarian?
  A: You are allowed to euthanize (meaning kill to relieve pain) your own pet if it is so sick or injured that it is imminently near death or not fit for living any longer. … More
• Q: Can I Set Up A Trust Or Will So That When I Die A Person Of My Choosing Will Receive Ownership Of My Pet?
  A: Yes, it is perfectly fine to set up in a trust a legal means by which your pet will be transferred to the ownership of a chosen person who will take care of your pet … More
• Q: My Pet Has Died. What Should I Do With Its Body To Avoid Breaking Any Laws?
  A: If a domestic animal has died from disease its body must either be burned or buried at least 2 feet below the surface of the ground. You will be guilty of a … More

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