Licence your dog

The deadline for obtaining a dog licence is quickly approaching.

The City  of Camrose animal control bylaw (2357/07) requires all dogs six months of age or older to be licenced prior to January 31 of each year.

The fee for altered dogs (those that have been spayed or neutered) and unaltered dogs is $20 and $40 respectively.

The licence fee for guard dogs, both altered and unaltered, is $40.

The licence fee for a dangerous dog (meaning a dog of any age, including a guard dog that has chased, attacked or bitten any person or other domestic animal, shown a propensity, disposition or potential to attack or injure without provocation, or been made the subject of an order under the Dangerous Dog Act) is $150.

The animal control bylaw does not classify any specific breeds as dangerous or vicious.

"Any dog could be deemed dangerous based on the actions or behaviour of the dog," states the City of Camrose bylaw enforcement officer on the City of Camrose website.

The cost of obtaining a licence after January 31 is $30 for an altered dog, $50 for a non-altered dog and $250 for a dangerous dog.

The fine for having an unlicenced dog is $75 for first offence. The fine for a second offence is $150, while the fine for a third offence is $300.

Owners of a dangerous dog or guard dog that bites or attacks a person are subject to a fine of $300.

Owners of dangerous dogs must maintain in force a policy or liability insurance in a form satisfactory to the city manager, providing third party liability coverage in a minimum amount of $500,000 for injuries caused by the owner's dog.

The City of Camrose dog licence and fine revenue is used to help offset the costs that are incurred in regard to animal control, including the animal pound contract. Owners who licence their dogs are issued a metal dog tag which has been stamped with a number and the year of the licence. The tag must be attached to the collar or harness worn by the dog.

Owners must remove any defecation left by their dog on public property or private property other than their own.

Owners may redeem an impounded dog upon payment to the City of Camrose all fines, fees and costs prescribed by the animal control bylaw. A release form will then be provided, which must be taken to the Camrose Animal Clinic.

Any dog that has been placed in the pound shall be kept therein for a period of not less than three clear days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays, unless claimed prior by the owner or otherwise disposed of in accordance with the bylaw.

The City of Camrose animal bylaw enforcement officer may be contacted by calling City Hall at (780)672-4426.