What is the purpose of licensing dogs?
Dog licenses provide several public benefits. They let people know that your dogs are up to date on rabies vaccinations, which protects you and the public. If your dog goes missing, having him licensed drastically improves your chances of getting him back though the assistance of the public, by-law officers or the Humane Society. License fees also support the efforts of the Humane Society in the re-homing of dogs and ensuring they are spayed/neutered and up to date on shots.
How much revenue is obtained through dog licenses and what does it support?
The City expects to receive $180,000 from dog licensing in 2018 with an additional $3,000 from dangerous dog licenses.
The revenue from dog licenses is used to help offset animal control costs, most of which is contracted out to the Humane Society for pound services. The Humane Society also assists with the prevention of animal cruelty, spay and neutering, adoption services, and care for injured animals.
What are some of the animal control services provided by the City?
The City provides numerous animal control services that address items such as
- dogs running at large
- stray and abandoned animals (including cats)
- animal cruelty
- animal hoarding
- dead or injured animals (including wildlife)
- prevention of diseases
- livestock operations
- kennel licensing
- exotic animals
Some services are required by provincial legislation, while others are at the discretion of Council. All services are meant to provide citizens with a safe and harmonious community.
How is the cost of carrying out the dog census paid for?
The dog census is something that takes place every 3 to 4 years and is done proactively by our enforcement team. The enforcement officers who are responsible for the census are not hired as an additional expense, but are part of our budgeted work force. The City does not hire additional employees to carry out the census. These employees are part of the day-to-day budgeted workforce.