Seminole County ordinance cracks down on owners of aggressive dogs

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Seminole County has passed a new ordinance cracking down on the owners of aggressive dogs.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that the ordinance allows animal control officers to deem “aggressive” any dog that chases or causes an unprovoked minor injury to another dog or person. The injuries, according to the county's emergency management director, must be more than a small scratch.

The source goes on to say that the dogs tagged “aggressive” are required to obtain from the county an “aggressive dog certificate” that must be renewed annually.

In addition, the Orlando Sentinel says that the ordinance states that dogs and other household pets cannot make noise for longer than 15 minutes. Dogs also must must be restrained by a leash no longer than 8 feet and owners must pick up their dog’s waste outside their property.

Fines reportedly range from $50 for the first violation to a mandatory court appearance and a $200 fine for three or more violations within three years.