Dog owners in Okotoks are being reminded they may receive fines in the mail if they still have not renewed their dog licenses.

Licenses are a required according to the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw and owners who have yet to pay their renewals could see fines of $250.

Okotoks Municipal Enforcement Manager Kelly Steinwand, says they should be renewed by the end of January each year and the Town does remind residents prior to the fines being issued.

"We do mail out notices to encourage people to come in then we send another reminder of an overdue notice. At this point in the year we're getting to the point where if people are failing to comply to they could be subject to a mailed fine. It's not the way we want to go, we're hoping this will encourage people to come in and just ensure their dog is properly licensed."

Dog licenses cost $25 per spayed/neutered dog.

Steinwand says there's many reasons why dog licensing is beneficial.

"It contributes to the dog bags and dispensers and the programs we have through Heaven Can Wait. There's a variety of services our peace officers use if a dog is a lost, they can quickly find out who it belongs to and reunite it with its family."

Dog licensing also provides free in-town return of a dog to its owner if its lost, census information about how many dogs live in the community which helps the Town make decisions regarding animal based services and benefits, proof of rabies vaccinations, and could help provide emergency treatment if a dog is found injured.

 

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