Lucas Co. Auditor hopes to spur dog license sales

By Kevin Mulliken for La Prensa

Dec, 4, 2012: Lucas County Auditor Anita López is hoping to end a troubling trend with a focus on increasing dog license sales in some of the poorest sections of Toledo. Statistically speaking, Lucas County has the lowest licensing in the central city and the highest number of dog bites.

“It’s always our goal to increase the number of licenses, because it protects the dog and protects the community,” said Ms. López. “The more we get dogs licensed in all communities, then the safer those communities are.”
 

Anita López

Nearly 63,000 dogs were licensed in Lucas County in 2012, an increase of about 900 canines. The goal is to raise the number of licenses by about 1,000 each year. Anyone who fails to buy a license can be cited by the county dog warden and faces a fine in addition to being forced to purchase a license at the penalty rate of $50.

All dogs over three months of age must be licensed and every registered dog must wear a valid license tag at all times.  If a dog wearing a license is turned into the dog warden’s office, the owner will be notified either in person or by phone, and certified mail. Without a license, the impounded dog may be sold or destroyed after three days.

“The most important thing is it’s about your safety and the safety of your loved one, which is your dog,” said Ms. López. “Many of us consider our dog as part of our family. The number one way to return him or her safely, if they are lost, is through being licensed. If there are dog bites, it’s best if we can identify who the dog is, find out who their owner is, and whether they got their shot for rabies.”

Dog license sales officially began Dec. 1 and run through Jan. 31, 2013. The cost of a license is $25, but the price doubles after the deadline. Dog licenses can be purchased online through the Lucas Co. Auditor’s website. A Lucas County Loves Dogs reward program offers discounts at canine-related retailers that more than pay for the cost of a license.

The auditor’s office also is running a contest this year for the number one dog tag in order to promote responsible pet care and ownership throughout the county. Entrants must submit a photo of their pet canine along with an essay of 300 words or less as to why they love their dog. The winner will receive a free dog license, a gift basket of canine items, and their dog will be featured with a photo on next year’s license mailing.

Licenses can be renewed by mail, purchased at the auditor’s office at One Government Center, Suite 770, the county dog warden’s office, 410 S. Erie St. or at any number of registered vendors that voluntarily sell them—such as driver’s license bureaus, pet stores, dog groomers, and hardware stores. A complete list can be found at the Lucas Co. Dog Warden website.

Anyone with questions can call the auditor’s office at 419.213.4406, or log onto the Lucas Co. Auditor website or www.lucascountylovesdogs.com.

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Revised: 12/11/12 20:35:26 -0800.