By: Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Regularly, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office posts pleas on social media accounts and in our newsletters regarding the importance of preventing animals from running freely in Lee County.
Despite these reminders, the number of at-large animals continues to grow. These animals continue to destroy property, are regularly struck by passing cars and trucks, have been killed by local wildlife, have been involved in a number of dog-bite incidents and have become a burden for our local shelters.
Lee County social media pages are flooded with lost and missing dogs. While we understand that dogs do escape from time to time… dig a hole or two beneath the fence… tear through screened lanais… run out an open door, the problem continues to worsen and can only be resolved with the help of pet owners.
Fences should be inspected regularly to ensure integrity. Gates and doors must be kept closed when used to contain an animal. Tables, chairs or woodpiles near the fence line should be moved as canines utilize these structures to climb over fencing.
Dogs must be leashed when out for walks and out relieving themselves. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!
Lee County Ordinances PROHIBIT pet owners and those in custody of animals from allowing them to run at-large:
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having possession, charge, custody or control of any animal, including but not limited to domestic, livestock, farm, wildlife or fowl raised in captivity, to permit the animal to stray, run, go or roam at-large in or upon any public street, sidewalk, school grounds, in the area of school vehicles, beaches, parks or on the private property of others without the consent of the owner of such property.
(b) Any animal found in violation of this section may be impounded.
(c) Any property owner or tenant may seize an unrestrained animal, unattended animal, or animal at large on his or her property and turn said animal over to animal services for disposition. Any person seizing an unrestrained, or animal at large shall capture the animal in a safe and humane manner, and may employ certain humane traps for such purpose.
PLEASE… for the safety of our community, for the well-being of our animals, ensure that your animals are not allowed to roam at-large.
