The city’s animal service officers are hitting the streets in search of unlicenced pets.
Officers, who plan to visit homes of pet owners with expired pet licences, will be offering on-the-spot licensing to pet owners without the threat of fines or retroactive fees.
City officials, in a release issued Monday, say the campaign was designed to increase the number of licensed pets in Thunder Bay, as well as create awareness of the existing bylaw and the benefits licensing a pet provides.
“Animal licensing fees help reunite pets with their owners,” said Jody Kondrat, Animal Services supervisor.
“It also contributes to the many things that Animal Services provides including food and shelter for stray animals, lost and found assistance, adoptions, emergency medical care for injured dogs and cats and skills for dealing with dangerous dogs.”
Under municipal laws, all cats and dogs must be licensed in Thunder Bay. Annual fees range between $15 and $50.
Licenses can be purchased online, at the Victoriaville civic centre, the Animal Services centre, Thunder Bay and District Humane Society, local vets and at many pet-supply stores.
The fine for refusing to licence a pet is $195.
