West's Florida Statutes Annotated Currentness. Title XL. Real and Personal Property (Chapters
689-724). Chapter 705. Lost or Abandoned Property. 705.19. Abandonment of animals by owner;
procedure for handling

Citation: FL ST § 705.19

Citation: West's F.S.A. § 705.19

Summary: This Florida statute provides that any animal placed in the custody of a licensed
veterinarian or bona fide boarding kennel that is abandoned by its owner or for a period of more
than 10 days after written notice is given to the owner may be turned over to the custody of the
nearest humane society or dog pound in the area for disposal as such custodian may deem proper.
This provisions immunizes such facilities from liability resulting from this action.

Statute in Full:
(1) Any animal placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian or bona fide boarding kennel
for treatment, boarding, or other care, which shall be abandoned by its owner or the owner's
agent for a period of more than 10 days after written notice is given to the owner or the
owner's agent at her or his last known address may be turned over to the custody of the nearest
humane society or dog pound in the area for disposal as such custodian may deem proper.

(2) The giving of notice to the owner, or the agent of the owner, of such animal by the
licensed veterinarian or kennel operator as provided in subsection (1) shall relieve the
veterinarian or kennel operator and any custodian to whom such animal may be given of any
further liability for disposal. Such procedure by a licensed veterinarian shall not constitute
grounds for disciplinary procedure under chapter 474.

(3) For the purpose of this section, the term "abandonment" means to forsake entirely or to
neglect or refuse to provide or perform the legal obligations for care and support of an animal
by its owner or the owner's agent. Such abandonment shall constitute the relinquishment of all
rights and claim by the owner to such animal.

CREDIT(S)

Laws 1979, c. 79-228, § 1; Laws 1981, c. 81-157, § 1. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 97-102, §
792, eff. July 1, 1997.