Editing Openai/6961487e-3e10-8004-be8e-c1139b64e3eb (section)

=== Assistant: Yes — Escambia County, Florida has legally defined stray-hold confinement and reclaim periods for dogs and other compan… ===
Yes — Escambia County, Florida has legally defined stray-hold (confinement and reclaim) periods for dogs and other companion animals, both under county ordinance and consistent with Florida state law.

===== 🐶 Stray Hold Requirements (Escambia County) =====

According to the local animal control ordinance in Escambia County:

✔️ Dogs and cats with owner identification (microchip, tag, etc.)
* Must be **held by animal services for five (5) shelter business days from the date of impoundment before they can be legally placed for adoption or otherwise disposed of. Mcclibrary Functions<ref>{{cite web|title=Mcclibrary Functions|url=https://mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/10607/1151206/pdf|publisher=Mcclibrary Functions|access-date=2026-01-10}}</ref>

✔️ Impoundment due to owner’s inability to care for the animal
* Also 5 shelter business days if there’s owner identification. Mcclibrary Functions<ref>{{cite web|title=Mcclibrary Functions|url=https://mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/10607/1151206/pdf|publisher=Mcclibrary Functions|access-date=2026-01-10}}</ref>

✔️ Puppies/kittens under five months old and adult cats without identification
* No required hold period — these animals become county property upon intake and can be made available for adoption immediately. Mcclibrary Functions<ref>{{cite web|title=Mcclibrary Functions|url=https://mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/10607/1151206/pdf|publisher=Mcclibrary Functions|access-date=2026-01-10}}</ref>

✔️ Strays found in the county
* The county ordinance also makes it unlawful to keep or harbor a stray without notifying animal services within 24 hours of finding it. Mcclibrary Functions<ref>{{cite web|title=Mcclibrary Functions|url=https://mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/10607/1151206/pdf|publisher=Mcclibrary Functions|access-date=2026-01-10}}</ref>

===== 📜 Florida State Law on Stray Dogs & Cats =====

Florida Statute § 823.151 authorizes counties to establish minimum stray hold periods for lost or stray dogs and cats to allow owners an opportunity to reclaim their animals. It also requires:
* Screening for identification (tags, licenses, microchips)
* Public notice of lost/stray animals received within 48 hours
* Reasonable attempts to notify identified owners
* Access for owners to retrieve animals during and after hours at least once per week during the hold period Florida.Public.Law<ref>{{cite web|title=Florida.Public.Law|url=https://florida.public.law/statutes/fla._stat._823.151|publisher=florida.public.law|access-date=2026-01-10}}</ref>

This state statute provides the baseline standards for stray holds, and local ordinances like Escambia’s can specify the exact hold duration.

===== 🐾 Practical Implications =====
* You cannot legally “keep” a found stray dog immediately just because time has passed — the shelter must process the animal and complete the legal hold period if it’s impounded.
* If you find a stray dog, you should contact Escambia County Animal Services within 24 hours instead of simply keeping the dog at home. Mcclibrary Functions<ref>{{cite web|title=Mcclibrary Functions|url=https://mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/10607/1151206/pdf|publisher=Mcclibrary Functions|access-date=2026-01-10}}</ref>
* After the county’s stray-hold period expires and if the original owner does not reclaim the animal, then the dog may be adopted, fostered, or otherwise placed according to shelter policy. Mcclibrary Functions<ref>{{cite web|title=Mcclibrary Functions|url=https://mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us/api/ordinanceDownload/10607/1151206/pdf|publisher=Mcclibrary Functions|access-date=2026-01-10}}</ref>

If you want, I can also explain your responsibilities and options (like how to legally adopt a found stray) or provide the contact info for Escambia County Animal Services.