Fines can take a bite out of one’s pocketbook
MAIN STREET — When he has the time, Jeff Tanner likes to take his chocolate Labrador Sam to the Pacific Street dog park and let him run without being tied to a leash.
“It’s fun to just let him explore the different scents, play catch, wrestle around — the typical dog-owner type stuff,”Tanner said.“It’s rare that you can let your dog run free without a leash so I try to take him as much as I can.”
Little does Tanner know that his excursions with Sam are illegal. That’s because Sam is not registered with Santa Monica Animal Control, an offense that can cause dog lovers to pay hefty fines, some as high as $200.
“I didn’t know,” Tanner said. “I got Sam from a friend of mine, had him get his shots, got him clipped down low and I thought that was it. I thought you only had to get a license if you were going to be entering your dog in shows and stuff. I didn’t know you need one just to take him for a walk.”
Santa Monica residents are required to license each of their dogs every year as part of a rabies containment program. First-time dog licenses must be obtained in person at the shelter. A valid rabies certificate, proof of sterility (if applicable), and proof of residency are required to complete licensing.
As of July 1, 2006, the dog license fee is $15 for spayed or neutered dogs, and $50 for unaltered dogs.
License renewals are due each January 1st and the deadline to avoid a late renewal penalty is March 31st, said Stan Hernacki, a senior officer with Animal Control.
“We send out notices every year for dog owners to renew their licenses,” Hernacki said. “We are also out on the streets patrolling, looking for those who do not have a license. Most of the time we issue a citation, but a dog can be impounded.”
Dogs not only have to be licensed and bear a license tag, they also must be properly secured to a leash when in public unless they are in an off-leash dog park. Dogs roaming stray, or with their owners but not on a leash, may be impounded and the owner cited.
Over the weekend, Animal Control officers were out on Main Street checking to see if dog owners were following the law as part of a routine patrol. Hernacki said there are over 5,000 dog licenses issued in Santa Monica each year.
For those who are concerned about the cost of spaying or neutering their dogs, Animal Control can refer them to clinics that can perform the service for free or at a discount, Hernacki said.
“We urge people to follow the law,” Hernacki said. “It’s cheap, easy and it helps us keep track of dogs who may have run away or are on the loose.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 27, 2006. Read the original PDF.