Pet Ownership in Waterlefe

1/14/2021

PET OWNERSHIP IN WATERLEFE 
As pet ownership increases in Waterlefe, the MPOA wants to ensure that residents stay cognizant and in compliance with all the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.

One of the most important responsibilities of a pet owner is to keep animals on a leash when not inside the unit (including the yard outside the home). Physical fences allow residents to let their pets roam free in their yard, but the attractive features of electronic fences are making them more popular among homeowners. Electronic fences have many benefits to pet owners such as increasing compliant off-leash areas and preserving the beautiful landscape of Waterlefe.
 
The MPOA has implemented new signage for pet owners that choose to use an electronic fence in their yard. This signage helps to clear up confusion with fellow neighbors and ensure that animals are properly contained in the unit as required. Simply register your electronic fence with Property Management to receive complimentary yard markers and expand your compliant pet space instantly.
 
Waterlefe is a dog loving community and to help maintain the beauty of the community, we ask that pet owners do their part.
There continue to be complaints about piles of dog poop left on homeowner property. If you own a dog, it is your responsibility to clean up after your pet. Do not let your dog wander too far onto a neighbor’s property. If they must complete their “business” on another’s lawn, then please do your business and pick it up! Always carry your poop bags and use them!

Take your dog droppings with you – some residents are scooping but then leaving the plastic bags along the common sidewalk or fence areas along Waterlefe Boulevard to perhaps pick up on their way back home. This is not a sight our walkers, joggers, and others wish to see as they travel down this beautifully landscaped street. Please carry your dog’s waste with you until you reach home; do not leave bags for others to pick up for your later pickup.

The Pointe is often used as a Dog Park – Residents commonly bring their pups to run free in this area. This area is also used by our children/grandchildren, kayakers, and residents. Florida has a leash law requiring all dogs remain on leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed within the fenced children’s area. Please abide by this leash law and be sure to “scoop the poop” after your dog!


Manatee County has a very detailed ordinance ANIMAL ORDINANCE 12-10 that outlines requirements for all pet owners. Owners who violate any of these ordinances may be issued a citation (fine) from Animal Services. Manatee County’s fines are designed to encourage responsible pet ownership and the safety of the community.
 
In a conversation with Manatee County Animal Control Officer Stephanie Sibley, to report a pet owner in violation of an Animal Ordinance, you should contact Manatee County Animal Services at (941) 742-5933.You are also encouraged by the MPOA and Manatee County to contact Waterlefe Property Management to report the incident. It is important that you actually witness the event or violation and give Animal Services as much detail as possible about the owner(s) and the pet(s).
 
Minor violations such as pets off leash and/or failure to immediately remove pet feces can be reported anonymously. Keep in mind that it is not a county violation for animals to be off leash on the owner's property; however that is a violation of the Waterlefe Golf and River Club Declaration of Covenants 10.7. Any photos taken of pet in violation and submitted to the county cannot be done anonymously.

Animals disturbing the peace and quiet persistent by repetitive barking, yelping, whining, howling, meowing or other objectionable noise, requires a detailed “bark” record. Two reports from two individuals living at different addresses is ideal.
 
Minor violations will usually result in Animal Services conducting an educational visit to the owner. They will ask the owner for proof of rabies vaccination and current tags. A fine may or may not be given if this is the first incident.
 
More serious violations require a written and notarized Affidavit of Complaint. 
 
The most serious violation is when unprovoked, an animal bites, attacks, endangers, or inflicts injury on a human, domestic animal, livestock, or causes damage to property. These incidents do require Animal Service to investigate, to impose a $500 fine with a possible court hearing, and to quarantine the animal if necessary.
 
We all love the animals throughout our community, the Board just asks that pet owners take responsibility for their pets and help to keep Waterlefe beautiful!