All dogs in city must be licensed

The return of warmer weather in late January brought California residents and their pets to Proctor Park for activity.
The return of warmer weather in late January brought California residents and their pets to Proctor Park for activity.

Most dog owners are aware their canine companions are not supposed to run at large, but some are not aware all dogs residing in the city are supposed to be licensed.

The ordinance states: "No person shall own, keep, harbor or permit to be or remain on or about his/her premises any dog over six (6) months of age which has not been licensed. The license fee for each domestic dog over the age of six (6) months shall be the sum of seven dollars ($7) per year."

Licenses are due July 1 of each year. Proof of rabies vaccination is a requirement for issuance of the license.

This means a dog living inside for its entire life must be licensed.

This isn't a meaningless requirement. Sometimes accidents happen and a dog gets loose. It may be no one's fault. A door might not have been closed properly or someone might have been taking something in or out of the residence. The dog may have gone outside for its normal needs, and been frightened - it is not uncommon for this to occur on Independence Day - but there are other circumstances.

The licensing requirement is not a means to blame the owner. One reason for the ordinance is that it is a way to locate the dog's home, if it is found to be "running at large." Another is to make certain that the animal's rabies vaccination is up-to-date. Proof of vaccination is a requirement for issuance of the license.

When a dog is found wandering away from its home, reported to the police and subsequently picked up; there has to be some way to find where it actually belongs.

According to the California Police Department, most of the dogs picked up by the authorities are wearing collars. That provides clear evidence that the dog has a home somewhere. But sometimes that is not enough. A tag with the owner's name and address is important for returning the animal to its home.

If the dog has a license, the police department or veterinary clinic can more easily determine where the dog's home is. In the event the dog was involved in a "dispute" with another dog, or a person, it can more easily be determined if the animal's rabies vaccination is up-to-date.