Glenbrooke News

A new City Ordinance  takes effect this month for pet owners. While it is designed to  better protect the health and safety of Elk Grove’s four-legged residents,  I believe one of the provisions  is too excessive.  Namely the yearly license fee for an unaltered dog will jump to $150.00.   Altered animal license fee  will be $15.00   per year.  Senior 65+ are  free for one animal.

I am a firm believer in having pets spayed or neutered, but the provision doesn't provide for  differences in breeds in terms of when their growth plates are closed.   Other reasons not to have a animal  spayed or neutered  include showing dogs in AKC events and being a  small reputable breeder - who usually have waiting lists for the puppies.    These are not 'backyard' breeders.

If there are no provisions for responsible owners of  unaltered pets, the ordinance will encourage the very thing it is intended to avoid - unlicensed animals.   Rather than pay $150  each year,  people will choose to not license their dogs.  In order to remain "under the radar" of  Animal Services,  rabies vacinations may be avoided.

Beginning September 23,  in addition to the increase in fees,   dogs and cats must  have an anti-rabies vaccination and a microchip to be licensed by the City of Elk Grove.  The ordinance  also bans the sale of puppies and kittens less than eight weeks of age.

A one-time Dangerous Animal Permit fee of $450 was also included in the ordinance.  For more information about any aspect of the new ordinance, visit Title 8  of the Elk Grove Municipal Code: www.codepublishing.com/CA/ElkGrove or contact City of Elk Grove’s Animal Services Division at 916-687-3023.  To view the staff report approved by the Elk Grove City Council, visit: www.elkgrovecity.org/documents/agendas/attachments/attachments/2009/08-26-09_6.7.pdf.