AR-News: (NC - US) County sues hundreds over pet fees

[Snugglezzz at aol.com]

One of the many excuses that those opposed to differential licensing points 
out is that few county's enforce the licensing fees meaning that only those who 
are responsible and license their pets suffer.
 
Durham County is serious about putting an end to the county's dismal numbers 
of three quarters of the pets who go entering the shelters - dying there.
 
County sues hundreds over pet fees
Updated: 6/10/2004 11:16 AM
By: Tim Boyum & Web Staff

            
Pet owners in Durham better pay their pet tax or they could end up in court.

In the last week alone, the county has sued more than 200 people for not 
paying a pet tax. The county is serious about putting an end to its pet population 
problem.

“About 75 percent of the animals we get here have to be euthanized,” said 
Shafonda Price, assistant manager at Durham County Animal Shelter.

That’s 75 percent of 6000 animals in Durham County alone.

“A majority of the animals we do get are from unspayed or neutered animals,” 
Price continued. “They repopulate and end up with eight or ten puppies and 
people end up with too many.”

And it costs a pretty penny to run the shelter. But the problem goes beyond 
overpopulation. At Durham County Animal Control, it’s missing out on a lot of 
money because people aren't paying their pet fees and the county's taking 
action.

        
        
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        County sues hundreds over pet fees

Pet owners in Durham better pay their pet tax or they could end up in court.

 

            
                    
    
    


The county charges $10 per pet but if your furry friend's not spayed or 
neutered it costs $75. Earlier this spring animal control discovered less than 20 
percent actually paid the fee.

“Animal control is not a cheap department to run as any department is in the 
county,” Animal Control Director Cindy Bailey said. “With the price of 
gasoline alone, everyone knows that they can appreciate what it costs to keep our 
trucks on the road.”

In April the county sent letters to 300 delinquent taxpayers. Many paid up 
but last week the rest were summoned to court.

“We don't want to send the wrong message out and that [wrong message] is you 
can ignore you bills that come from county government,” Bailey added.

Bailey hopes pet owners get the message that it costs a lot less to neuter or 
spay a pet than pay an annual $75 tax. That will keep owners out of court and 
kittens and puppies in homes.

Pet owners can still avoid a court appearance by simply paying the fee.

If you'd like more information about paying your pet tax or adopting an 
animal you can visit Durham County Animal Control or the Animal Protection Society 
of Durham.


 
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