Staff Report

January 18, 2011

 

New York City Council was expected to vote Tuesday to approve a bill to raise the licensing fee for unspayed and unneutered dogs from $11.50 to $34.

 

Council member Jessica Lappin (D-Manhattan) Is the bill's sponsor. She says the goal is to provide a financial incentive for dog owners to appropriately care for their pets and raise additional money for the city's animal control fund. 

"This bill is a win-win. It gives New Yorkers a financial incentive to do the right thing. And, it will raise funds to reduce the number of unwanted animals in our city," Lappin said.

 

She also noted that there are a variety of free and low-cost spay and neuter services available for those in need.

 

Lappin's bill does two things. First, it raises the licensing fee for unaltered dogs from $11.50 to $34. If owners have already had their dog fixed, the licensing fee will remain $8.50.

 

The additional fees will go toward an animal control fund to help pay for sheltering, finding homes, and sometimes euthanizing unwanted stray dogs.

 

The ASPCA and Mayor Bloomberg have indicated support for the bill.