By Andrew de Souza

City to set new animal licensing fees again

Mar 9, 2011 | 5:21 AM

City council will once again vote on the cost of animal licenses.

At Monday’s executive committee meeting, councillors debated over the costs of pet licenses and the difference that should be applied between animals that have been fixed or not.

Late last year, city council had voted in favour of a flat fee of $20 for animals regardless of whether or not they had been altered.

However, at the request of council, city bylaw manager, Ken Hunter, presented another report to council that suggested a $20 fee for fixed pets and a $40 fee for unaltered pets. He also suggested an increase to $60 in the future and that licenses be available for purchase at City Hall in addition to the SPCA office.

When it came before executive committee, concerns were once again raised.

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City councillor Charlene Miller (Ward 1) tried to amend the recommendations so the fee for unaltered pets would be $25.

“I still don’t agree with the $40,” she said.

Her suggestion didn’t sit well with other councillors however.

“Basically they were also wanting a fee structure that differentiated between the two,” said Coun. Cheryl Ring (Ward 5).

“I think the pet owners at large in the city get what they want here and I think the SPCA is also satisfied with this.”

The debate also continued in when the fees should be increased to $60. Initially the report used the vague term “in a couple of years.” Councillors debated and at the suggestion of Coun. Greg Dionne agreed that the increase should occur in 2013.

Finally, councillors also agreed that, not only should licenses be available at the SPCA and City Hall, but they also recommended that they should be made available by any group or businesses they designated pound-keeper approved, such as veterinary clinics and pet stores.

The committee voted in favour of the recommendation and city council will vote on it next week.

adesouza@panow.com