The Allen County Dog Warden and Lima Police Department are going door to door to make sure residents with canine companions have their dogs licensed and tagged in compliance with Ohio law.
Dog Warden Julie Shellhammer says on their check they issued no citations and sold ten licenses, a good sign compared to years past.Â
"We're finding dogs with tags actually displayed on them, which is by law where they're supposed to be, if they get loose that way they can be returned to their owners immediately," said Shellhammer.Â
But, they're also here to address concerns and potential dangers.
"The dog bites have just been coming in, you know three to five a week, and that's just unacceptable, we need the community to be safe in their own yards," said Shellhammer.
Patrica Harris says her dog Sampson is not vicious, but admits he was not licensed.
"I knew I had to have one, but I never did just go get one, to be honest about it," said Harris. Â
So, LPD and the Dog Warden issued her license on the spot.
"But he was kind of nice about it, so that was great though," said Harris, "It was a great thing they did though, so I don't have to go down there and get it, so we've got it now."
Fees are $22 for dogs under 3 months or acquired in the last 30 days, or $4 for a delinquent license.
"That meaning if they've had the dog over 30 days and not ever licensed it, and had it for an extended period of time," said Shellhammer. Â Â
They also remind owners tags must be renewed every 1 or 3 years, unless you purchased a permanent license.Â
