ASHLAND — Ashland County Dog Warden Joe Eggerton asks all Ashland County residents to ensure they’ve purchased a license for their dogs.
At the Thursday morning Ashland County Commissioner meeting, Eggerton said the Ashland County Dog Shelter intends to begin more strictly enforce licensing, which helps fund the shelter.
The shelter is self-funded through license sales and donations. With a decrease in donations in recent months, the push to license more dogs would bring in additional funding.
“Right now, we’re seeing that a lot of people in the county still don’t have dog licenses, so we’re compiling a list to go after those individuals,” Eggerton said.
A dog license in Ashland County costs $16 if purchased between December 1 and January 31, but they can be purchased for $32 year round.
“A lot of people think that’s quite expensive per dog, but compared to us showing up at your front door and issuing a citation of $112, I think it’s pretty much common sense to get a license,” Eggerton said.
Dog licenses can be purchased at the Ashland County Auditors Office or the Ashland County Dog Shelter with cash or checks.
Dog owners are required by state law to buy a license for their dog by the time it is three months old or 30 days after acquiring a dog.
“It’s more than state law. It ensures your dog will make it back home,” Eggerton said.
Dogs that are licensed can be more easily traced back to their owners.
Dogs left with the shelter for more than 14 days become county property. If the owner comes forward after that point, the owner would need to pay the dog’s adoption fee.
For more information on dog licensing in Ashland County, visit www.ashlandcounty.org/dogshelter.
