Image Credit: Contributed
October 24, 2013 - 2:17 PM
Unlicensed dogs in the Central Okanagan have one week left to receive their free 2013 dog license. The Free Dog License Amnesty Month offer ends on Thursday, October 31st.
“We’ve had a great response since the program began at the start of the month, but the offer of a free dog license for the rest of the year will not be extended past the 31st,” says Communications Officer Bruce Smith. “We’ve had over 1,900 previously unlicensed dog owners take advantage of the free license program. We’re really pleased with that, but we want to reiterate to dog owners that might be harbouring an unlicensed fugitive that come January 1st, there will be Zero Tolerance for unlicensed dogs in the Central Okanagan, and with approval of the Regional Board, the current $100 fine will be substantially increased to perhaps $300 to $500. A current dog license is the law in the Central Okanagan and if your unlicensed dog is found after January 1st, you’ll be fined and will have to buy a license.”
Smith adds, “The free 2013 dog license is only available at either the main Regional District office, 1450 KLO Road (open Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm) or the Regional Dog Pound, 890 Weddell Place (open daily 9:00 am – 1:00 pm / 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm). It takes about five minutes for owners to receive their 2013 dog license and they’ll also receive the ‘My Dog Matters’ rewards card, that can be used at more than 30 participating businesses. The discounts and special services offered provide something back to dog owners and may more than pay for the annual cost of a dog license.”
Providing a license and permanent identification for your pet is the first principle of responsible dog ownership. A current license tag on the collar of a pet may be the dog’s ticket home should it unfortunately get away. It allows Dog Pound staff to easily reunite lost pets with their owners and families.
Smith says, “The fees collected from dog licenses in the Central Okanagan help fund the care provided and operation of the Regional Dog Pound and Dog Control Service as well as an annual $67,000 grant from the Regional District to the SPCA for its dog adoption, spay/neuter and education programming. Dog owners that do not license their pet are cheating the Dog Control program of valuable revenue and that requires a greater subsidy from taxpayers, whether they own a dog or not.”
The Regional District encourages existing licensed dog owners with 2013 dog house shaped tags to continue to exchange their annual tag for a Permanent tag at no charge. The Permanent tag offers an easy and convenient online license renewal and saves dog owners from having to purchase a different, new tag each year.*
Information about the License Amnesty and Tag Swap can be found at regionaldistrict.com/dogs. That’s where you’ll find other information about the Regional Dog service and what to do if you lose or find a dog.
Image Credit: Contributed
Image Credit: Contributed
Come to the Regional District offices, 1450 KLO Road Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. or the Regional Dog Pound, 890 Weddell Place in Kelowna Monday - Sunday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. closed 1 - 2 p.m.) and we will give you your new Permanent License tag.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013