OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on March 25 and reached a consensus to abandon the newly proposed Section 4.3.28 of the land development code, which would have imposed new limits on the ownership and possession of cats and dogs.

A near-capacity crowd had attended a previous Land Development Regulation Committee meeting earlier in the month to discuss the issue. The next public hearing to consider an ordinance amendment will take place on April 8 at 6 p.m. at the McPherson Government Campus Auditorium, with further discussion expected around high-volume pet ownership.

Several attendees, including breeders and dog show professionals, voiced concerns about how the proposed limitations and the cost of special use permits could impact them.

Marion County Chair Kathy Bryant emphasized the importance of sufficient staffing before imposing any new ordinances.

“I think that’s another part of the conversation I would like to have before our next meeting,” said Bryant. “We have to make sure that we’re getting it right.”

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Dana Olesky, Marion County assistant attorney, explained that the concept of a high-volume owner has existed since 2019, and the updated code wouldn’t increase animal services’ responsibilities.

“The only regulation that this is creating is for a high-volume owner that has more than 30 (cats and or dogs),” said Olesky.

Only five individuals currently hold high-volume permits, though some owners with more than 15 animals remain non-compliant.

“So, for the LDC portion, the only real new regulation you’re replacing is that if you have personal pets that exceed 30, that’s the only new true regulation,” said Olesky.

Under current code, having four or more cats or dogs used for breeding, grooming, or boarding for compensation requires a special use permit. Owners with more than 15 cats and/or dogs must also obtain an animal permit through Marion County Animal Services.

So, what does this really mean for pet owners?

  • No new pet ownership limits are being added – yet.
  • The 15-pet rule still exists from 2019.
  • Owning 30+ pets may require new permits in the future.
  • Breeders and pet-related businesses may face higher costs.
  • Public input can still be shared at the April 8 hearing.

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