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Pet adoption rules may change

By DEMORRIS A. LEE
Published May 23, 2006

The county is considering an ordinance change that would require organizations that rescue such animals to wait one year before allowing other people to permanently adopt them. The current waiting period is 30 days.

"You've got to extend holding times to give people a chance to get their dogs back," said Dr. Kenny Mitchell of Pinellas County Animal Services.

Mitchell said all local rescue organizations have discussed and support the proposed change.

But Jack Geller, president of the Pinellas Humane Society, said Monday was the first he had heard of the proposal.

"Unless the county is going to come in and care for these animals for a year ... you are asking a lot to ask people to foster animals for a year, get attached, feed them, pay for vet bills. I'm concerned that animals may not get adopted out," said Geller, emphasizing that his response wasn't on behalf of the Pinellas Humane Society.

A public hearing on the proposed change might be held during the June 20 County Commission meeting.

The current 30-day period for holding pets before permanent adoption has been a concern for some pet owners who lost their animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in August.

One such case involves Steven and Dorreen Couture of St. Bernard Parish, La. Once the Coutures realized their two dogs were in Pinellas County, they said, they tried to contact the shelter to get their animals back, but were unable to reach anyone within the 30-day period. The Coutures are working to get their dogs back.

[Last modified May 23, 2006, 04:37:35]