Dear Director Gordon Scherer,
I am writing to request clarification regarding the legal authority and enforcement practices related to the feeding of cats and dogs in Polk County.
During the December 16, 2025, Polk County Board of County Commissioners meeting, which was televised on Polk TV, concerns were raised during public comment about enforcement actions reportedly taken against individuals feeding animals outdoors. Those statements prompted the need for a clear, on-the-record explanation of the applicable ordinances and policies.
Feeding Directives and Legal Authority
Please clarify the following:
• Does any Polk County ordinance prohibit or restrict the feeding of cats or dogs outdoors?
• If such an ordinance exists, please provide the specific code section(s).
• If no such ordinance exists, does Polk County Animal Control have legal authority to instruct individuals to stop feeding animals outdoors?
It is my understanding that this question has been raised previously, yet no definitive ordinance citation has been provided publicly.
During public comment at the December 16 meeting, it was stated that Polk County Animal Control pursued individuals feeding cats 17 times within a six-month period, whereas enforcement during the prior four years averaged approximately once per year. This reported increase raises reasonable questions regarding enforcement priorities and legal grounding.
For purposes of clarity, there does not appear to be a countywide feeding ban in Polk County. Feeding animals is lawful activity, whereas starvation and neglect fall under established cruelty standards in Florida law.
Polk County also lacks several basic regulatory protections that exist in other Florida jurisdictions, including meaningful cruelty-prevention ordinances, pet-sales regulation, detailed tethering standards, and a formal community cat management program, despite such programs being widely implemented statewide and endorsed by national legal authorities.
Given that the State of Florida has enacted laws specifically targeting animal abuse, clarification is requested as to why enforcement resources are reportedly being directed toward individuals providing food, rather than prioritizing cases involving abandonment, abuse, or chronic neglect.
This issue has implications beyond animal welfare. Federal law-enforcement authorities recognize animal cruelty as a documented indicator of violent behavior, underscoring the importance of directing resources toward preventing harm rather than discouraging lawful caregiving activity.
A written response clarifying the legal basis, if any, for feeding-related enforcement would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Diana Bravo
Polk County, Florida