Residents Not Properly Licensing Pets

Fairhope, Alabama

MAYOR/COUNCIL SEEK SOLUTION

Because of low compliance, the Mayor and council are considering changes to the city's yearly pet licensing requirements.

Council President Burrell: "... it came to my attention ... I was the only one of 2 people who bought a pet license in the city ... in the last 6 months ...  we've got a lot of people breaking the law ... we've got a lot of pets here ... ."

"If we're going to have an ordinance, lets either enforce it or get rid of it ... I think we should keep it."

Burrell suggested one possible change could be going to a 3 year license ($10) instead of yearly: "That would cover the cost of the tag itself; and the person who puts together the paperwork to issue it ... ."

The current fee for a yearly license is $1.75.

PUBLIC SAFETY THE ISSUE

Burrell said the intent is not to make money, but to protect the public from rabies.

"Its there for public safety ... you prove your pet has had rabies vaccinations ... that's what we're trying to get at ... ."

IDENTIFIES LOST PETS AS WELL

Mayor Kant told the Times he is in agreement that something needs to be done to increase compliance, but probably not to the extent of the city of Daphne (click) recently. (Burrell agreed).

Kant pointed out another important reason pets should be licensed and tagged is to identify them in case they are lost.

According to its Facebook page (click), the Animal Control Department finds several strays every week, most without tags.

CURRENT ORDINANCE COVERS CATS TOO

Currently the fee is $1.75 per year and any proceeds over costs goes to animal control (according to Mayor Kant). Licenses may be purchased at City Hall -- proof of rabies vaccination required.

The penalty could be from 1 - $500, falling under the city's general penalty ordinance.

Animal Control Policy:

"Fairhope law requires that all dogs be licensed as a rabies control measure. Making sure your dog has its current license attached to its collar also is your best insurance of having your dog returned to you in case he or she becomes lost or gets out of your yard. Even if your dog never leaves your home or yard, it is still required by law. The dog license also lets us know if your pet is currently vaccinated against rabies. The money received from dog license fees helps the department continue to provide quality animal care and control services every day of the year.

The fee for a dog license is $1.75 payable to The City of Fairhope. Proof of a current rabies vaccination certificate is required.  You can purchase your dog license at Fairhope City Hall. For more information contact 251-929-0354."

Ordinance:

Sec. 5-22. - License—Tag and collar required.

All dogs and cats owned and kept within the city, and all dogs and cats brought in or permitted to come within the city, shall wear a collar to which shall be attached a numbered tag issued by the city.

(Ord. No. 988, 12-11-95)

Sec. 5-23. - License—Inoculation against rabies a prerequisite to issuance.

No license shall be issued until and unless the applicant therefor shall produce a current certificate of rabies inoculation for the dog or cat to be licensed.