Question 1

How do I set up my in-person Animal Abuser Registry appointment?

Accepted Answer

Following your release from incarceration or, if not incarcerated, from the date of the judgment of conviction, you will have 10 business days to set up your in-person appointment. You can set up your in-person appointment by calling (813) 272-5670 or by emailing RegistryManager@HCFLGov.net.

Hillsborough County will schedule an in-person appointment for registration at County Center located at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd.

Question 2

What do I need to bring to my in-person Animal Abuser Registry appointment?

Accepted Answer

A driver’s license or state-issued photo ID
Copy of Judgment(s), expungement, or appeal orders

Question 3

How long will I remain on the registry?

Accepted Answer

A registrant shall be required to remain on the Registry:

For a period of three (3) years for a first conviction of a misdemeanor abuse offense
For a period of five (5) years for a first conviction of a felony abuse offense
For a period of ten (10) years for a second or subsequent conviction of either a misdemeanor or felony abuse offense

Question 4

Will my conviction be extended an additional 10 years if I have more charges?

Accepted Answer

The expiration date of the subsequent conviction(s) will be calculated from the disposition date of the most recent conviction date, and will not exceed 10 years on any given conviction.

Question 5

If I own an animal-related business and organization, what do I need to know?

Accepted Answer

All animal-related businesses and organizations are required to ensure that certain animals are not transferred to a person registered as an animal abuser. Animal-related businesses covered under the ordinance include, but may not be limited to:

Animal foster and rescue groups in Hillsborough County
Animal shelters in Hillsborough County
Pet shops and any pet-related commercial establishment in Hillsborough County
Animal breeders in Hillsborough County
Veterinarian services engaged in the transfer of animals in Hillsborough County

Everyone is encouraged to check the Animal Abuser Registry before they transfer any animal to an individual either by sale, or adoption, or otherwise.

Question 6

How can I report a violation to the Animal Abuser Registry?

Accepted Answer

Call Hillsborough County Code Enforcement at (813) 274-6600.

Question 7

How can I report an Animal Emergency or Cruelty?

Accepted Answer

To report urgent animal emergencies or a crime in progress, dial 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement agency.

Report Animal Abuse or callHillsborough County Animal Control at (813) 744-5660.

Question 8

What's the difference between the Animal Abuser Registry and the Enjoined List?

Accepted Answer

Abuser registry

The Animal Abuser Registry is a BOCC adopted, online database containing specific identifying information of certain individuals living in the County who have been convicted of one or more of the applicable animal abuse criminal offenses on or after November 1, 2016, as ascertained by the County Clerk's Office.

Per the ordinance, these individuals shall remain listed on the registry for particular time periods depending on their offense classification and/or the amount of times the person has been convicted of the offense. Additionally, while on the registry, registrants are not allowed to own, possess, or live in the same home or on the same property as certain animals or work with a companion animal.

A person found in violation of self-registering or of the prohibition on contact with certain animals provision of the ordinance will be penalized pursuant to the enforcement options available under the ordinance.

Enjoined list

The Enjoined List is a list of individuals (and specific case information) currently compiled and maintained by the Pet Resource Center for internal tracking and enforcement purposes.

Persons appearing on the list have been prosecuted civilly and ordered by a Judge to, among other things, refrain from contact, ownership, or possession of an animal(s) subject of the case or such other animals and for a certain period of time, as deemed appropriate by the Court.

A person found in violation of the enjoinment order will be subject to the Court's penalties.

About the Animal Abuser Registry

Information and FAQS about the registry, registration, and reporting violations

FAQs

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