Hurting an animal in Miami could soon cost a lot more. On Thursday, Oct. 22, the City Commission gave first approval to two ordinances that raise fines for animal cruelty to the highest amounts state law now allows, WLRN reported.

Under the plan, a first violation would bring a $2,500 civil fine. A second would cost $5,000, and a third would cost $7,500. Until now, the city's civil fines ranged from $50 to $500, NBC 6 reported. People accused of animal cruelty can still face criminal charges on top of a city fine.

Why now

Florida lawmakers passed House Bill 559 this year. It took effect Oct. 1 and raised the most a city or county can fine for a first animal cruelty violation from $500 to $2,500, with higher limits for repeat violations, Miami Today reported.

Local cases added pressure. On Sept. 26, Miami police rescued Dior, a badly underfed French bulldog, from a balcony at the ParkLine condominiums in downtown Miami after neighbors shared videos of the dog. Police arrested the owner on a felony animal cruelty charge, and the dog was later adopted. Commissioners also pointed to reports of a dog found drowned in Coconut Grove.

What the proposals would do

Three animal ordinances were on the Oct. 22 agenda. Here is what each one would do as proposed:

  • Higher fines (sponsored by Commissioner Damian Pardo): covers animal cruelty, cruel treatment of dogs, abandoning dogs and some vicious-dog violations. Fines would count for each animal and each time it happens.
  • Balcony and pet-sale rules (sponsored by Commissioner Ralph Rosado): limits leaving a dog alone on a balcony overnight or during a National Weather Service severe weather advisory. Anyone selling or giving away a pet would have to check Florida's animal abuse registry, and pet sales in parking lots and other public places would be banned unless allowed by law.
  • Leash and control rules (sponsored by Commissioner Christine King): bars letting dogs roam in public spaces or shared areas of private buildings, taking dogs into parks or beaches where dogs are not allowed, or letting them onto someone else's property without permission. Service animals and police animals are exempt.

WLRN reported that the two fine ordinances passed on first reading and that the commission also backed stricter leash rules for public areas and parks.

What happens next

The ordinances must pass a second vote at a future meeting before they take effect. The city's agenda lists them with an immediate effective date once adopted.

At the same meeting, commissioners unanimously voted to set up a fund with The Miami Foundation so private donors can pay for projects in District 2, which covers downtown, Coconut Grove and much of the waterfront. They also backed naming the American flamingo Florida's state bird, WLRN reported. The commission also gave final approval to new e-bike and scooter rules that day.

County commissioners, meanwhile, advanced the Seaquarium redevelopment plan on Virginia Key this week.