Animal cruelty could cost repeat offenders up to $7,500 in Orange City
Katherine oversees editorial operations across all six brands. Before joining The Meridan Group, she spent 14 years at the Minneapolis Star Tribune, where she led the metro desk through its digital transformation. She holds a Master's in Journalism from Northwestern's Medill School.
More from Katherine →
Animal owners in Orange City could face fines of up to $7,500 for repeated violations under newly approved rules targeting cruelty, neglect and abandonment.Related-- New public database allows lookups of people convicted of animal abuse across FloridaThe Orange City Council approved Ordinance No. 704 at its Tuesday night meeting, updating the city’s animal protection regulations. The rules cover mistreatment that includes leaving an animal unattended in a parked vehicle when conditions threaten its health or safety.Watch-- Tougher punishment for animal abuse among 100 new laws enacted in FloridaThe ordinance follows changes to Florida law that took effect Oct. 1, allowing local governments to impose higher civil penalties for animal mistreatment.Under Orange City’s updated rules, fines increase for repeat violations:First violation: Up to $2,500.Second violation: Up to $5,000.Third or subsequent violation: Up to $7,500.Watch-- Charges dropped in high-profile animal cruelty case that