Dog licence
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article does not cite any references or sources. (September 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
A dog licence (or dog license) is required in some jurisdictions to be the keeper of a dog. Usually a dog-licence identifying number is issued to the owner, along with a dog tag bearing the identifier and a contact number for the registering organization. If a stray pet is found with the tag, a rescuer can call the registering organization to get current contact information for the dog's owner.
Licencing a dog might require additional actions on the owner's part, such as ensuring that the dog has a current rabies vaccination. Licences typically must be renewed annually or after some small number of years.
[edit] Licencing information worldwide
- Great Britain
- 1987. Dog licences were mandatory, but the requirement was widely ignored, with only about half of owners having one. The final rate for a dog licence was 37 pence. This fee was reduced from 37½p when the halfpenny was withdrawn in 1984. This odd figure was itself a conversion from 7/6 (seven shillings and sixpence) on decimalisation in 1971. The revenue went to local authorities.
- Northern Ireland
- Dog licences continue to exist, under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983. A dog licence costs £5.00 / year, or £2.50 for pensioners.
- Republic of Ireland
- Dog licencing exists. Individual dog licences cost €12.70 / year, and general licences (allowing unlimited dogs) are €252.42.
- Germany
- Dog ownership is regulated by a "dog tax" as opposed to a dog licence, with the amount due depending on the breed of the dog: dogs deemed "dangerous" (such as Rottweilers) are subject to higher taxation. Aside from the fiscal impl of dogs in a particular area.
- United States
- Most states, municipalities, or other jurisdictions require dog licences along with rabies vaccination, and the licence duration cannot exceed the time the vaccine is effective. As a way of preventing the overpopulation of animals, some jurisdictions will charge a significantly lower licencing fee, if the owner presents veterinary proof that their pet has been spayed or neutered.
- California also has some areas where cat licences are required. [1]
- Canada
- Dog licencing exists.
- Australia
- Dog licencing exists. Some areas, such as Victoria, require cat registration and microchipping also. [2]
- New Zealand
- Dog licencing exists.
- Isle of Man
- Dog licencing exists.
[edit] External links
- House of Commons Research Paper on Dogs
- Republic of Ireland Government site on Control of Dogs
- Coleraine Borough Council's Dog License page
- New York City dog license application
- Scans of a British dog licence issued in 1960
|