Pets Trust Miami-a Chronological History ~ Pawsitively Humane, Inc.

As animal advocates, caretakers, volunteers and experts, part of responsibility is to educate our elected officials on the reality, the severity of the homeless pet situation in our county. This PAGE will chronologically list the developments surrounding The Pets Trust and efforts to reduce the number of stray pets/animals in Miami Dade County. (Pawsitively Humane will herein be referred to as PHI for this posting).

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August 26, 2015 (Miami Dade County, Government Center)

Metropolitan Services Committee to vote on resolution for increased budget for Animal Services for the purpose of supporting low-cost spay/neuter programs, Veterinary Care Programs, Education programs regarding Responsible Pet Ownership.

Today, Founder & President of Pawsitively Humane, Christine Michaels, attended the committee hearing. Shockingly, Commissioner Sally Heyman voted against the increased funding as did Commissioner Diaz. Both were original supporters of the Pets Trust. Commissioner Zapata, at least voted to allow it to discuss at next week's budget meeting. Whether he would vote in favor or not is not known.

For further details please click here for dedicated PHI blog post on the hearing and the outcome.

Miami Herald, Editorial Opinon: "The Pets' (dis)Trust?

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July 22, 2013 (Miami Herald Article)

Dreams of a Dade Pets’ Trust dashed at meeting

Summary: Last year in a straw vote almost 500,000 citizens agreed to tax themselves to provide almost $20 million dollars for funding high-volume sterilization clinics responsible pet-ownership education; grants to non-profit rescues; increased adoption and fostering. However, in a stunning turn of events, the Miami Dade County Commissioners decided not to follow the voter’s choice and denied the tax implementation. Is this legal? Actually yes. How?

The ballot issue was a "non binding straw ballot" which conveys the majority interest of the voters but the county commissioners have the final vote to implement the initiative.

Please click here for complete article.

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June 4, 2013 (NBC 6 News Report)

Miami Dade County Commission Delays Pets Trust Vote for 2 Weeks

Summary: While the majority of residents voted for a property tax increase in the 2012 election, according to the governing laws in Miami Dade County, it is County Commissioners who have the final vote. Commissioners claim certain groups wanted to be heard before the vote and Commissioners delayed the vote to allow the public to air their concerns.

Please click here for further details.

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April 4, 2013 (Tallahassee, Florida Legislation)

Miami-Dade backed 'Pet Trust' bill stalls in committee after cat fight with NRA

A bill that would allow local taxpayers to create special taxing districts for the purpose of spaying and neutering animals stalled in a House Committee on Thursday, after the National Rifle Association and others voiced opposition.

PHI concern: For the NRA (a heavyweight with deep pockets) to bring in a lobbyist on this issue raises red flags. Why would NRA get involved and oppose homeowners to pay a $20 tax increase to prevent suffering and dying of unwanted or stray pets? The reason offered is quite flimsy with no proven history elsewhere in the country.

For further details, please click here for Miami Herald article.

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Nov 6, 2012 (Miami Herald article)

Miami-Dade Voters Back the Creation of Pets' Trust

After years of increasing rates of abandoned animals and high euthanasia at the local Animal Services, a VICTORY!!! In a local county election, the initiative to create a Pets' Trust was passed by 65% of voters. This would raise property taxes by an average of $20 to fund programs to reduce the number of homeless pets.

Please click here for further details.