JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The Jacksonville Beach City Council voted Monday to advance a proposed ordinance that would allow the city to suspend or revoke Paws Dog Park memberships for people convicted of, or under investigation, for animal cruelty offenses.
The ordinance would give the city manager or a designee authority to immediately deny, suspend or revoke a person’s membership and park access if they have been convicted of an animal cruelty offense or are being investigated for one. Under the proposal, anyone who enters the park after losing their membership could be removed and face criminal charges.
According to a memo from City Attorney David Migut, the proposal stems from an incident discussed during an April 13 City Council briefing. Councilmember Sandy Golding told the council an alleged animal cruelty offender had their membership revoked from an Atlantic Beach dog park, then discovered Jacksonville’s Beach code did not contain similar authority for it’s own Paws Dog Park. The council directed the city attorney to draft an ordinance addressing the issue.
The full text of Ordinance No. 2026-8239 is available below.
The ordinance defines an animal cruelty offense as any violation of Chapter 828 of the Florida Statues, or a substantially similar law from another state or federal government.
If a suspended or revoked member seeks reinstatement, the proposal requires a written request to the city manager or designee. Any reinstatement would be discretionary and contingent on completing an animal cruelty prevention and education course.
The City Council approved the ordinance on first reading Monday. A second reading is expected during the council’s Aug. 17 meeting. If approved, the ordinance would take effect immediately.
The ordinance now heads to a second reading before the City Council on Aug. 17. If approved, it would take effect immediately.
