§ 14-105. Permit requirement for breeders, pet dealers and large kennels.

(a)

No person shall act as, perform duties of, or otherwise maintain a kennel, pet dealer or breeder, as defined in this chapter, without first obtaining a permit, or renewal permit as applicable, from the department. Persons meeting the definition of breeder, pet dealer, and/or large kennel (or any combinations thereof) are not required to obtain separate permits for each category; however, a separate permit shall be required for each premises that a breeder, pet dealer or large kennel operates at.

(b)

Any permit issued under this section is not transferable, either from the original authorized premises/location to a different location, or from person-to-person.

(c)

Grant of any permit under this section by the department shall not in any way operate to grant any right, privilege, approval or waiver with respect to any other section of the Pasco County Code, the Pasco County Land Development Code (including zoning and land use regulations) or any applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.

(d)

The application and permit shall be on a form prescribed by the county administrator, or his designee. A fee for application, issuance and renewal of a permit may be prescribed by resolution of the board of county commissioners.

(e)

Prior to the issuance of any permit the following shall be required:

(1)

Within 30 business days of a complete application submitted to the department, the department shall inspect the premises for which the application applies. Inspections shall be for conditions and standard of care as indicated in section 14-107. Failure by the department to inspect within 30 days, or to deny the permit pursuant to the criteria in subsection (f) below, shall result in issuance of the permit.

(2)

Within ten business days of inspection, the department shall make a determination to grant or deny any permit and inform the applicant in writing. Failure by the department to grant or deny a permit within ten days of inspection shall result in issuance of the permit.

(f)

Any permit/application may be denied, revoked or suspended, at any time, by written determination of the department director, or his designee, if:

(1)

The applicant has not strictly complied with the requirements of section 14-107.

(2)

The applicant refuses inspection.

(3)

The applicant has unpaid fines from violations of this chapter.

(4)

The applicant has any guilty adjudications of cruelty or neglect under this chapter or Florida Statutes.

(5)

The applicant has been adjudicated guilty of more than one offense of chapter 14.

(6)

The applicant has not complied with all other applicable provisions of this chapter, the Pasco County Code of Ordinances, the Pasco County Land Development Code (including zoning and land use regulations) related to the allowable number of animals on a parcel, or has not complied with applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations concerning animal care or welfare.

(7)

The applicant has been an officer, principal, director, partner, or any other person with the authority to bind a corporation, partnership, or other legal entity that meets the criteria of subsections (f)(1) through (6) above.

(g)

Permits issued under this section shall be renewed on an annual basis. Any renewal of a permit may be subject to the requirements of this section.

(h)

By grant of any permit issued under this section, the premises subject to the permit shall be subject to inspections by the department during normal business hours.

(Ord. No. 16-29, § 3, 10-11-16)