183-2001 LTCCITY OF MIAMI BEACH
CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139
www.ci.rniami-beach.fLus
LETTER TO COMMISSION
August 8, 2001
TO:
Mayor Neisen O. Kasdin and
Members of the City Commission
FROM:
SUBJECT:
JorgeM. Gonzalez ~/
CityManager
PIT BULL INITIATIVE
This Letter to the Commission is to advise of a new initiative by the Miami Beach Police Department
regarding Pit Bull dogs and other animal violations.
The Police Departn~ent became concerned with violations of the Pit Bull Ordinance and other animal
related violations such as leash and pooper scooper violations. In order to respond to these problems,
the Police Department contacted the Miami-Dade County Animal Control Department who agreed
to supply Animal Control officers to assist our police officers.
On Saturday, July 14, 2001, four Miami-Dade County Animal Control officers paired with two
Miami Beach police officers. They split into two teams and covered the South Beach Entertainment
District, including Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue as well as the area of
Flamingo Park. The teams were accompanied by a news team from Channel 7. The story aired and
was received positively. It was hoped that the publicity would assist in informing citizens and also
have a deterrent effect.
The team cited two pit bull owners for fines totaling $1,020.00 and cited another seven dog owners
for 22 various charges. The Police Department and Animal Control plan to do another sweep on a
Sunday in the near future based on the staff availability of Animal Control.
Please advise if you have any other questions.
JMG:RRB:DD:PS:GT:MMS
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