Openai/6961487e-3e10-8004-be8e-c1139b64e3eb

This conversation was exported from ChatGPT

gpt-5-2

User: Is there a legal stray hold for dogs found in escambia county fl?

Is there a legal stray hold for dogs found in escambia county fl?

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

✔️ Impoundment due to owner’s inability to care for the animal

• Also 5 shelter business days if there’s owner identification. Mcclibrary Functions

✔️ 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

✔️ 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

📜 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

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
• 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

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.