Unleashed Dogs

A homeowner writes that a neighbor’s two dogs “run stray 24/7” and “get into people’s trash, gardens and defecate on the sidewalks and driveways and anywhere else they want.” He notes that his community’s deed restrictions “do not permit dogs to run 24/7 without leash and unsupervised, nor do the laws of Hillsborough County.”

Dan writes in reply:

Hillsborough County’s Animal Control Ordinance establishes a County Animal Control agency that is responsible for prosecuting animal violations throughout the entire County. Animal Control has the personnel and equipment to investigate complaints and to impound stray animals, if necessary, as well as the authority to fine and take court action against violators. Therefore, it is the board’s policy to refer all animal complaints to Animal Control since the association is neither manned nor equipped to provide the same service. The association’s only recourse against an owner who refuses to comply is to seek an injunction, which could take up to one year or longer. Please call Animal Control at 744-5660 to file your complaint.The Board of Directors will require all documentation provided to and responses from Animal Control prior to considering any action to be taken on behalf of the board.

Dan