Florida Statutes
Chapter 828 - Animals: Cruelty; Sales; Animal Enterprise Protection
828.23 - Definitions; Ss. 828.22-828.26.


(1) “Department” means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
(2) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association doing business in this state, in whole or in part.
(3) “Slaughter” means the act of killing one or more livestock animals for any purpose.
(4) “Slaughterer” means any person other than a licensed veterinarian, or an employee of a humane society or animal control agency, who kills livestock.
(5) “Livestock” means cattle, calves, sheep, swine, horses, mules, goats, ostriches, rheas, emus, and any other domestic animal that can or may be used in the preparation of animal products. For the purposes of ss. 828.22-828.26, “livestock” does not include poultry and aquatic species.
(6) “Humane method” means:
(a) A method whereby the animal is rapidly and effectively rendered insensitive to pain by electrical or chemical means or by a penetrating captive bolt or gunshot with appropriate caliber and placement; or
(b) A method in accordance with ritual requirements of any religious faith whereby the animal suffers loss of consciousness by anemia of the brain caused by the simultaneous and instantaneous severance of the carotid arteries with a sharp instrument.

History.—s. 1, ch. 61-254; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 282, ch. 71-377; s. 4, ch. 92-206; s. 38, ch. 2001-279.

Structure Florida Statutes

Florida Statutes

Title XLVI - Crimes

Chapter 828 - Animals: Cruelty; Sales; Animal Enterprise Protection

828.02 - Definitions.

828.03 - Agents of Counties, Societies, etc., May Prosecute Violators.

828.05 - Killing an Injured or Diseased Domestic Animal.

828.055 - Controlled Substances and Legend Drugs; Permits for Use.

828.058 - Euthanasia of Dogs and Cats.

828.065 - Euthanasia of Animals Offered for Sale by Pet Shops.

828.073 - Animals Found in Distress.

828.08 - Penalty for Exposing Poison.

828.12 - Cruelty to Animals.

828.121 - Conduct of Simulated Bullfighting Exhibitions.

828.122 - Fighting or Baiting Animals; Offenses; Penalties.

828.123 - Killing Dog or Cat With Intent of Selling or Giving Away Pelt; Possession, Sale, or Importation of Pelt With Intent of Selling or Giving Away; Penalty.

828.1231 - Sale of Garments or Items of Clothing Containing Dog or Cat Fur Prohibited; Sale of Pelt of Any Dog or Cat Prohibited; Penalty.

828.125 - Killing or Aggravated Abuse of Horses or Cattle; Offenses; Penalties.

828.126 - Sexual Activities Involving Animals.

828.13 - Confinement of Animals Without Sufficient Food, Water, or Exercise; Abandonment of Animals.

828.14 - Water and Food for Stock on Trains, Vessels, Etc.

828.16 - Contagious Diseases.

828.1615 - Prohibiting Artificial Coloring and Sale of Certain Animals.

828.17 - Officer to Arrest Without Warrant.

828.22 - Humane Slaughter Act; Humane Slaughter and Livestock Euthanasia; Requirements.

828.23 - Definitions; Ss. 828.22-828.26.

828.24 - Prohibited Acts; Exemption.

828.25 - Administration; Rules; Inspection; Fees.

828.251 - Instruction.

828.252 - Nonambulatory Animals.

828.26 - Penalties.

828.27 - Local Animal Control or Cruelty Ordinances; Penalty.

828.28 - Local Animal Licensing Ordinances; Notices.

828.29 - Dogs and Cats Transported or Offered for Sale; Health Requirements; Consumer Guarantee.

828.30 - Rabies Vaccination of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets.

828.40 - Short Title.

828.41 - Definitions Relating to Florida Animal Enterprise Protection Act.

828.42 - Animal Enterprise Disruption; Criminal Penalties.

828.43 - Injunction.