Polk County
's animal control ordinance requires guard dogs be treated humanely.
In 2010, Florida's Polk County Commission adopted an animal control ordinance covering requirements for vaccinations of dogs and cats, prohibiting animals from running loose, operation of a county animal shelter and other issues relating to domesticated animals. It applies only to unincorporated parts of the county.
Living Conditions
Dog owners must provide their pets with a covered shelter that protects them from bad weather.
Rabies
Owners of dogs and cats must get their pets vaccinated against rabies, and must purchase a license tag as evidence of vaccination.
Sterlization
Any pet picked up by animal control officers twice within an 18-month period for running loose must be spayed or neutered before being released to the owner by the county.
Running Loose
Owners of dogs and cats must not allow their pets to run loose in any public place or on another person's property.
Holding Periods
Animals picked up and turned in to county animal control will be held for the following periods: Healthy dogs and cats with current rabies vaccination, seven days; without proof of vaccination, four days. Sick or injured animals may be destroyed by animal control to prevent suffering of the animal. Animals held under quarantine will be considered abandoned if not picked up within three days after the quarantine period ends.
Nuisance Complaints
Under certain conditions and after sufficient warning, an animal control officer can issue a citation to the owner of a pet that has created a nuisance by constantly making noise, destroying property, soiling on private property or threatening to injure a person or animal.
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