The 2007 Dog license stickers are in! Every year, as of November 1st, the Tax/Clerk Department starts selling the upcoming year’s stickers. Once a dog is licensed with the City, dog owners are required to renew their dog’s license every year.
All dogs six (6) months old and older need to be licensed by January 31st of each year. Fees are as follows: Male/Female, $10; and Spayed Female or Neutered Male, $6. Proof of rabies certificate is needed before a license can be issued, along with proof of neutered or spayed certificate.
An owner or keeper required to license a dog under Section 3922-C, Subsection 1 or Section 3923-C, Subsection 1 and applying for a license for that dog after January 31st shall pay to the municipal clerk a late fee of $15 in addition to the annual fee paid in accordance with Subsection 1 or 2 and Section 3923-C, Subsection 1.
The municipal officers of each municipality shall issue a warrant (usually signed during the second City Council meeting in March) with the names and addresses of all owners or keepers of unlicensed dogs to one or more police officers and/or animal control officer, directing them to send a notice of violation to the last known address of the owners or keepers or call on the owners or keepers. The warrant must further direct that demand be made on the owners or keepers to obtain a license from the municipal within 7 days from the date of demand and remit to the City Clerk the license and recording fees plus a late fee of $25.00 for each dog that is licensed.
Finally, the warrant must direct the police officer and/or animal control officer to enter summons and complaint as soon as possible for all owners or keepers so notified who fail to comply with the order. Not only is it a Maine State Law (Chapter 7 §3921), but a great tracking tool, if you should lose your pet. Think of it as a Christmas gift for your pet – get a license or renew their license.
Nancy G. Nichols is Presque Isle’s City Clerk. She can be reached at 764-2520.
