Hours of Operation:

Contacting the Officer   The officers spend little time in the office, therefore, a phone call rather than email is the most efficient means to contact the officer. After leaving a voicemail message, he will be paged and promptly return your call during on duty hours. If an email is sent to the division, please understand it may be a few days before a reply is generated. If you need to send an email please send it to AnimalControl@copbfl.com  Always include a telephone number where you can be reached.

• Animal Topics
• Animal Shelters
• Anonymous Complaints
• Avoiding a Bite
• Dangerous Dogs
• Disaster Preparedness
• Lost and Found
• Ordinance
• Public Awareness
• Rabies
• Spray/Neuter
• Trapping
• Volunteer
• Warm Weather Tips

Anonymous Complaints – A considerable number of anonymous complaints come in daily.  We do respond to all of them.  It should be noted that by being anonymous you sometimes limit our ability to enforce the city ordinance and state statute. 

Barking dog is one case in point.  Our ordinance reads, “disturbs the sleep peace and tranquility of the inhabitants”.  When we respond to a nuisance barking complaint and the complainant is anonymous we will only issue a warning.  The reason for this is that the animal is not disturbing our sleep, peace, and tranquility, it is disturbing yours.  We can not defend this citation in court without your participation.

We recognize the need for anonymity in some cases.  As long as we can identify a violation and defend our position in court we will take the appropriate action.  Unfortunately we sometimes can not identify the problem without your participation.  So please understand that we genuinely want to serve and protect you and your family, but sometimes we need your help.

Wildlife

Injured Wildlife - A wide variety of wildlife can be observed here in the City, especially birds. Unfortunately, an animal is sometimes injured and needs help.  If an injured animal is observed it is best to consider what defense mechanisms it may use to defend itself from a perceived attack from the person trying to help it. Raccoon, fox, and opossum all have very sharp teeth.  Many birds are designed with long necks and sharp sword like beaks and are able to strike the eye.  Others have powerful jaws that could crack a nut. Before handling a potentially dangerous injured wild animal, consider these things and if there is concern that human injury may occur, then animal control or someone with protective equipment or experience should be notified.

Injured wildlife can be taken for treatment to: Wild Life Care Center; 3200 SW 4 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 Phone: 954.524.4302

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Mosquitoes – These insects are prevalent in south Florida and have caused concerns over the spread of West Nile Virus.  Information on this virus has been provided below. The Animal Control Division does not provide mosquito control service.  Please click the links for information on mosquito control.

Broward County Mosquito Control || CDC West Nile Virus Homepage
Fl Arboviral Encephalitis & West Nile Virus Info

Bees –  Download Article by David Aycock, "Bee Alert" (PDF Format)

These complex insects live in a colony that builds a hive as a home where the queen reproduces. Workers gather pollen and store it as honey in the hive.  A colony can include 20,000 – 30,000 bees. Problems usually arise when the location of the hive is in an inappropriate place. Hives have been found inside house walls, meter boxes, trees, and any cavity that looks good to a bee. Often the hive is not noticed until it has grown and the bees are swarming.  By then there are multiple wax combs that have been developed and should be removed if the nest must be destroyed.  If a nest must be destroyed it is best to contact a bee removal specialist. With a large number of bees, any attempt to do it yourself will likely result in multiple stings.  Bee removal specialists can be found in the yellow pages under BEE REMOVAL.  For more information about bees, visit NOVA Online | Tales from the Hive Bees

Ducks and pigeons –The City ordinance does not allow feeding of any wildlife except wild songbirds.  Ducks and pigeons can become a real nuisance if food is provided for them.  They will congregate in the area and leave an accumulation of droppings. The most common ducks are the non indigenous Muscovy duck. They seem to prefer land to water and thus become a nuisance to many people when the droppings are left on door steps, patios and sidewalks. These ducks are considered “exotic, non native species” and can be removed by a licensed trapper although other means of controlling their population should be attempted first. These include replacing the eggs in a nest with fake eggs.  The mother duck will not lay more eggs until hers have hatched. The Animal Control Division does not remove ducks. For further information on these ducks, click here  Domestic Duck Problems in Urban Areas

Pigeons are known to sit on lines over the property of others, in large numbers leaving a mess below, while waiting for their food source to appear.  Food or a roosting place is attractive for pigeons. If these are eliminated the problem should diminish.  Roosting places must either be sealed off or made uncomfortable. Pigeon dissuasion products such as spikes, sticky paste, and fake predators are available from private suppliers.  If a fake predator such as a plastic owl is employed, it must be moved often so that the pigeons continue to think it is real. Shooting at an animal is prohibited by the City ordinance. The Animal Control Division will meet with a resident to survey the problem and offer suggestions for resolving it. For more information about pigeons and pigeon control, click here Pigeons

Iguanas – These lizards have become very prevalent over the last few years. They are native to South America and come from a subtropical environment similar to ours. It has become obvious that with the warm weather and plenty of water they are able to thrive.  Iguanas have been seen basking in the sun in groups of 30 or more and grow over 4 feet in length. Twice a year they dig a burrow and lay approximately 50 eggs at a time. The creatures may look intimidating but they are harmless. When approached, they will flee to safety or dive into the nearby canal. They are herbivorous and like to eat flowers, fruit and vegetable gardens which gives rise to nuisance complaints from those who’s landscaping and gardens are affected.  There is no public agency that removes iguanas and with the population as big as it is and still growing, it would be virtually impossible to eradicate this exotic species. Though it is possible to capture them in a large trap, it is illegal to relocate and release them since they are not native animals. Once captured, they must be released where captured or humanely destroyed which requires specialized equipment. The average resident attempting to perform this may find themselves in violation of animal cruelty laws.

Raccoons and Opossum – These are regular sightings even in this densely populated area.  Both are generally nocturnal although it is not unheard of to see them sometimes during daylight.  Both are apprehensive of humans although raccoons tend to be less fearful and have caused some folks concern when they don’t run away. Under normal circumstances, neither raccoons nor opossum are a threat to human safety although they have been known to become a nuisance at times.  They will forage for food where it is accessible. Some favorite spots are: garbage cans that don’t have good fitting lids, pet food left outside and ripe fruit on the ground. Keeping these things under control will leave the animals to look elsewhere for food. These animals also need shelter. They will seek it under houses and decks, in sheds and under debris, and even in your attic if it is accessible.  Keep your yard tidy, keep any crawlspaces sealed off and trim trees and shrubs away from your roof and soffits to avoid entry to your attic. Eliminating the basic needs of these animals from your property is the best way to keep them from being a nuisance.

Another common nuisance problem with raccoons is defecation on the pool steps.  This can be solved by laying a plywood sheet over the steps area of the pool to prevent it from wading in to the shallow water. It will not use the deep water to do its business.  After a while the plywood can be removed and the raccoon should have developed a new sanitary habit.

Trapping the nuisance wildlife is not recommended because the root attraction problem is not usually eliminated. Instead the attraction should be eliminated, then the problem should go away. Nuisance wildlife trapping services are not provided by the Animal Control Division but they are available through private trappers who charge for their services. These can be located in the yellow pages under animal removal or pest control.  The City of Pompano Beach Animal Control Division will at no charge survey your property and recommend ways to detour these animals from using your home as their own.

Rats - Rats are a common sight and can often be seen at night running on power lines.  As with other wildlife, keep trees and bushes trimmed away from the house and soffits to prevent entry. Keep any food source away, such as pet food, open garbage cans or ripe fruit. Also keep the crawlspace secured under a raised house. These steps will help prevent entry into the house. If entry into the house occurs, the best and most cost effective means of removal is to use a snap type trap or glue trap.  Keep in mind that if a glue trap is used, the rat is still alive after capture and must be killed. Do not use poison bait if a rat has access to the home until the entry has been sealed and you are sure there are no more getting inside. Poison bait is an effective means of eliminating rats outdoors. Be sure to follow directions on the box label for applying any poison and use appropriate distribution containers if called for. The Animal Control Division does not bait private property nor provide rodent extermination service, although, an officer will meet with a resident and survey the property to offer any suggestions for problem resolution.

Sea Turtles - The City of Pompano Beach is one of 3 licensed Marine Turtle permit holders in Broward County.  We have maintained this license since 1988.  The Animal Control Division recognized and responded to the need to provide a prompt legal response to aid and assist injured and disoriented marine turtles. 

The majority of our dealings with these unique creatures occurs when they collide with boats, and when hatchlings become disoriented.  Being mindful of turtles during the breeding season (April to September) when operating a power boat will greatly improve their chances of survival.  Additionally, identifying light sources and shielding or replacing the bulbs with 40 watt yellow bug lamps can improve the survivability of hatchlings during this same period.  Remember, turtles need air to breath which requires they surface and hatchlings are guided by the light of the moon.  If you should find an injured turtle, call us before attempting a rescue.  Large turtles are capable of causing severe injury by biting. 

Disoriented hatchlings should be returned to the ocean immediately.  If it is day time, be aware that gulls will eat them and a discreet release to the ocean is a must. Dead marine turtles should be reported to this office.  We will survey and bury the turtle. The purpose is to assist the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.  The information recorded is used to promote the safety and create laws for the protection of these endangered species.

Note:  Federal law makes it a violation to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, capture or collect marine turtles or their eggs.

Snakes – Although 45 species of snakes are found in Florida, only a few are venomous. Most common sightings in this area involve non venomous snakes such as a black racer or a rat snake which can be red, yellow or black. Another common sighting is actually a legless lizard. Commonly called a glass lizard, it has the appearance of a snake but a closer inspection reveals that unlike a snake, the lizard has ear openings, eyelids, and it laps water and chews its food. It and non venomous snakes are completely harmless.

Florida’s venomous snakes are either a pit viper or a coral snake.  The pit viper is distinguished from other snakes by its broad, triangular shaped head and facial pits between the eye and nostril on each side of the head. It also has an elliptical pupil where other snakes have a round pupil. The coral snake resembles other non venomous snakes in that it has a small narrow head and round pupils but is distinguished by its obvious colors.  Its red, yellow and black bands stand out but are similar to the non venomous kingsnake which has a similar pattern in a different sequence. There is a saying that may help to remember which is which, “Red touch yellow kill a fellow, red touch black don’t mean jack”

Florida snakes, venomous or not, are generally alarmed by human presence and prefer to go away. If one is sighted and you may suspect it to be venomous keep away and it should leave the area.  The Animal Control Division does not respond to snakes outside.  For more information on Florida’s snakes and to view photos and descriptions click on the links listed here  Florida' Venomous Snakes  and Florida's Non Venomous Snakes

Squirrels – Squirrels can be found in various places about the City. They are active during the daytime and usually make their nests in trees. Most problems tend to arise when people provide a food source for them. When this occurs, the population of squirrels tends to increase greatly and they become much bolder and even aggressive. In parks this causes unwelcome close encounters with patrons who may be trying to enjoy a peaceful picnic meal or children get bit when they pretend to hold food out and the squirrel nips the end of the finger.  Also, when numbers increase, the squirrels will chew through soffit screens to make their nest in an attic.  The City ordinance prohibits feeding of wildlife. This includes squirrels. The Health Department does not provide free rabies testing when a squirrel bite occurs because it is considered a “low risk” animal.

Cats – According to calculations based on a 1992 AVMA study, there are over 45,000 cats owned in the City. This number does not include feral cats.  There is a strong divide between those who agree that cats should be kept indoors and those that disagree.  The Animal Control Division regularly handles calls that involve outdoor cats with injuries incurred by dogs, cars, poison, people, sickness and many other risks, including picking up a number of deceased cats. In addition, outdoor cats pose a significant threat to birds and other wildlife. Besides the safety of cats and other animals, cats outdoors tend to become a nuisance to neighbors.  The Division receives complaints about the smell of urine, defecation in the yard, catfights late at night and scratches on the car. Furthermore, disease can be spread to humans through the waste deposited by cats outdoors. Toxoplasmosis can affect the central nervous system and even cause death. It also can result in eye or brain damage to an unborn child. Visceral Larval Migrans can be contracted by children playing in sand or dirt contaminated by cat feces and it can result in loss of vision. With all this it’s easy to understand why the City ordinance requires cats, just as dogs, to be confined to the owner’s property.

Feral cats are a significant issue and are widespread throughout the City.  The Division offers live humane traps to residents free of charge. The resident is responsible for setting the trap on his property and checking it. When a cat is captured, the Division will respond to pick it up. 

There are different philosophies on how to deal with the feral cat issue.  The Division traps feral cats and removes them from the location but another philosophy that has recently become popular is to trap, spay or neuter and then return the cat to the location where it was captured, commonly referred to as TNR. The division has not found TNR to be an effective method of reducing the feral population nor does it resolve feral cat related complaints. First of all, it is illegal.  Local ordinance and animal cruelty laws defining abandonment may be violated and furthermore, relocating and releasing non native species into the wild is a violation of state law and administrative code. Once a cat has been trapped and released, it will not enter a trap again. So even if vaccinations were administered at the time it was trapped, it may be impossible to revaccinate. The cat is then exposed to a number of diseases as it lives in the wild.

TNR advocates will often provide food for the colony of cats they are attempting to care for.  In doing this, other cats and other wild animals are often attracted to the area and join the colony thus enlarging it. In addition, not all the cats can be trapped and so some continue to breed and add to the number of the colony.  Also, people become aware of the colony and it becomes a drop off point for unwanted pets or stray cats that others don’t want to take to the animal shelter.

Problems and complaints associated with outdoor cats are not resolved when cats are returned to a location and in the future they cannot be resolved by trapping them. This often leads to frustration on the part of some complainants who have taken things into their own hands and cats have been painfully injured or killed as a result. The Animal Control Division does not participate in TNR efforts and discourages the practice. For more reading on this topic and further information supporting the Division’s position, click the links below.

Sun Herald News Article
Managed Cat Colonies in Florida - American Bird Conservancy
Florida Cats - Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
University of Florida Report

Avoiding a dog bite – here are some things to consider that will help avoid a dog bite.

Be aware of a dog’s presence

1. Take notice of any indication that a dog may be present. Look for Beware of Dog signs and patched fences. When approaching a property look for a chain or worn areas under cars, boats, decks and houses. Look for a dog house or food bowls. If you think a dog may be present, make a kiss sound or whistle to prevent a surprise.
2. If a dog is present, avoid contact. Do not trust that a chain or cable will hold the dog. Keep away if the dog is loose. Avoid unnecessary risk.

• Bees
• Cats
• Ducks and Pigeons
• Iguana
• Mosquitoes
• Raccoons and Opossums
• Rats
• Sea Turtles
• Snakes
• Squirrels

The City Animal Ordinance, chapter 90, is probably the most comprehensive animal ordinance in the country. It has been designed to address most issues imaginable.  From confining dogs properly to the display of animals for entertainment, the ordinance helps the officers protect the quality of life for both people and animals in the City.

Did you know ... it is against City Ordinance to have your dog on a chain in the front yard? For more information please read the Ordinance.

There are two government animal shelters in Broward County. These are where stray animals picked up by an animal control officer and strays turned in by the public go (with the exception of Coral Springs who has its own holding facility).  They are both run by Broward County Animal Care and Regulation. They are located at:

North area shelter
3100 NW 19 Terrace
Pompano Beach 33060
954.970.0130
Hours: Mon-Tues - closed
Wed Sat – 12pm – 6pm
Sun – 10:3am – 4:30 pm
Animals picked up north of Commercial Blvd. go to this shelter

South area shelter
1870 SW 39 Street
Ft. Lauderdale 33315
954.359.1313
Hours: Mon–Fr 1pm – 6:30 pm
Sat – 10am – 4pm
Sun – closed
Animals picked up south of Commercial Blvd. go to this shelter        

Animals held at these shelters are also photographed and posted on the web. You can view them by clicking on the following link. PetHarbor.Com National Animal Search Engine

A disaster could potentially overwhelm the current resources of the Division and would likely call for the availability of additional volunteer resources. To mitigate this, the Division will compile a list of potential volunteers and provide training through CERT in operations, animal handling techniques and safety. If you would like to volunteer in this capacity, please notify the Division.  Also, if you have resources that would be useful in such a situation (such as a truck, animal crates, etc.) and would like to list them as available during an emergency, please contact us.

 The best method of ensuring that you can be reunited with your lost pet is to keep a visible tag fastened to its collar that bears your address and 2 phone numbers.  Tattoos and microchips may not be as sure.  Tattoos are hard to see, may be overlooked and are hard to read. There is no standard for tattoos so if it is not a locally recognized code then it is useless. Microchips must be read with a scanner and are not visible.  Someone may find a dog with a microchip and never think to check for it. 

If you have lost a pet, call the City Animal Control Division to report it. Also, call Broward County Animal Care and Regulation to report it and stop by the shelter to look to see if it’s there. It is entirely possible that it could be there even if the person on the phone doesn’t think so. The staff is usually overwhelmed with animals and may not remember or identify the pet based on your description. The north area shelter is located here in Pompano at 3100 NW 19 Terrace. That is halfway between Copans and Sample on the east side of Powerline Rd.  Also, check the newspaper classifieds to see if someone posts it.

If you have found a pet, the City ordinance requires that you report it to the City and County Animal Control and run an ad in the classified of the newspaper. The ad is offered as a free service for found items.

In the soaring heat of South Florida, it is essential to stay aware of how the heat may affect a pet.  If caution is not exercised, heatstroke may occur.  Heatstroke can be fatal to dogs.  Dogs dissipate heat primarily through the vaporization of moisture when they pant and when temperatures and humidity are high it is much more difficult for the dog to cool itself. When a dog is unable to cool itself, the circulatory and respiratory systems are overtaxed to the point where permanent damage or death may occur.

Symptoms of heatstroke include excessive heavy panting, anxiety, failure to respond to commands, dehydration, rapid heartbeat, and extremely high fever.  If you believe your dog shows signs of heat stroke, get it in some cool water. Use a garden hose or immerse it in a pool or tub until it has cooled off. Then seek veterinary help to deal with any potential complications.

Never leave a dog confined in a poorly ventilated vehicle or other enclosure.  The temperature inside a vehicle can climb rapidly. One study showed that when the outside temperature was 78°F, a closed car parked in the shade will reach 90°F in 5 minutes and 110° F in 25 minutes.           

Note:  A pet in a car with adequate ventilation and shade may not be in danger or violation of city ordinance or state statute.  While we do not recommend that anyone risk the endangerment of their pet, we do recognize that when due care has been taken a violation may not be issued.

Be sure a dog outdoors has adequate shelter from the sun. Consider painting a doghouse white to keep the temperature even cooler and never tether a dog in an area where it could become entangled and stuck in direct sunlight.

There are no regulations in the City that specify any particular breed of dog as dangerous based solely on the breed.  Florida law prohibits making laws that would single out any particular breed.  A few places, such as Miami, do have these laws and bans on certain breeds in place because they were enacted prior to the State law.

The City does employ a dangerous dog law.  It follows the guidelines of the state law and allows the Division to take action against any dog that has bitten or shown dangerous tendencies. After a dog is declared dangerous, the owner must register the dog annually and show proof of liability insurance. The dog must be vaccinated, sterilized, tattooed and wear a muzzle any time it is out of its secure enclosure. It must be on a leash no longer than 3 feet and only walked by an adult who is the designated handler. The classification of “dangerous dog” also elevates any future incident involving the dog to a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of injury.

The dangerous dog ordinance has been very successful in preventing recurring bites. Since enacting the dangerous dog ordinance, there has only been one incident of a recurring problem with a dog that has been classified dangerous. In this case the owner was charged with a felony.

The key to reducing pet overpopulation and therefore reducing the number of animals that are ultimately euthanized is to have your pet sterilized.  There are many low cost options available now. Broward County Animal Care and Regulation offers their SPOT program which includes sterilization, rabies vaccination and tag all for only $10. Click on the link below for more details and to view other low cost options.

Broward County Animal Care and Regulation SPOT Program

The City Animal Control Division offers live humane traps for cats and dogs free of charge to City residents.  The animal control officer will meet with the resident at their home and provide instruction for trap use and enough bait to get started.  When an animal is caught, the officer will respond to pick it up and leave the trap for continued use. Traps may be used on the resident’s property only and will be picked up at the residents request or after a few days without any catch. 

Residents who have their own trap or who wish to purchase their own may use it but must first advise the Division of such intended use.  Trapping is not allowed on days the Division may be out of service and all trappers will be contacted and advised beforehand.  Any trapped wildlife will not be removed by the Division, it will be released where it was trapped.

A representative of the Animal Control Division is available to conduct presentations on various topics to local associations, clubs and groups. The Division has presented information about preparing with your pet for a disaster, City Animal Control services, dealing with nuisance wildlife, and has attended local school career days. Call the Division to discuss availability and topics of interest.