People concerned with the proposed kennel ordinance made their opinions known at a County Commission workshop held on July 22.

Many disagreed with the amendments to the ordinance that changed the definition of a kennel and would require a one time registration and licensing fee.

The definition of kennel includes anyone who has 15 animals or more.

Chairman Kessler was concerned about this definition.

“People not involved in making money will be included in this definition,” Kessler said.

Public Safety Director Scott McDermid said this definition was added because many of the problems that Animal Control faces occurs in large populations of animals.

These problems are rabies, distemper, hoarding, neglect, feline upper respiratory, dog fighting, puppy mills and backyard breeders, he said.

“There’s no mechanism to know where large population of animals are,” McDermid said. “This is our first step in trying to control this problem.”

Animal Control Director Ivanhoe Carroll said the department wants to know where the concentrations are located within the county.

Commissioner Alan Brock wondered if voluntary registration might be a solution. The ordinance could require commercial kennels to register, but allow others to volunteer.

Carroll said registering provides a two-way street of information.

“When something’s coming through the county, we can make them aware,” Carroll said.

McDermid added that those who take care of their animals, like those in the crowd at the meeting, shouldn’t be worried.

Rusty McKeithen, president of the Florida Dog Hunters and Sportsman’s Association, said, “We don’t want to be told we have to do stuff, when we were just told that it’s not us.”

McKeithen was just one of a number of hunting dog owners in the audience.

Several members of the audience who spoke wondered how something like this will be enforced.

Resident Ralph Thomas said he doesn’t have a large number of dogs, but spoke of a love for his freedom.

“Quit punishing law abiding citizens,” Thomas said.

“You don’t need more fight. You don’t need more regulation,” he told commissioners.

Resident Donnie Sparkman said, “It’s an intrusion.”

He added that people who own dogs aren’t businesses that should have to get a license.

“It’s just an additional tax,” Sparkman said.

Resident Sheila May rescues miniature daschunds and she said at times she has more than 15 dogs in her home.

“It’s crazy,” May said. “We’re going to tell on the ones that are doing right.”

Commissioner Lynn Artz felt the proposed ordinance was reaching a bit with its definition of kennels and agreed with Brock.

All the other commissioners agreed as well.

Commissioner Mike Stewart said the county is trying to get a handle on those who are breeding dogs and selling them.

Stewart added that the county has seen issues with abuse, as well as puppy mills.

The board decided to only apply the definition to commercial kennels, those who are operating a business.