Brooklyn Park Considers Eliminating Pet Licenses
The city of Brooklyn Park is taking steps to eliminate pet licenses.
The city says fewer than 5 percent of animal owners actually go through the pet licensing process and that there is no enforcement of the ordinance either.
Multiple cities are also moving way from issuing pet licenses.
City staff say vaccination and identification were main motivators for the original ordinance that was passed in the 1970’s.
This update would still have those requirements for pet owners.
“The ordinance that we are proposing focuses on identification tags and vaccinations, putting the onus back on the animal owner to do that, to be a responsible pet owner,” said Jason Newby, Brooklyn Park inspections and environmental health manager. “The ordinance was cumbersome for hte city and it’s something that doesn’t have a lot of return on investment for the city or the pet owner.”
Pet owners found in violation could have their animals impounded.
Maple Grove has already adopted a similar model.
The ordinance still has to go through final approval on the city council. To check out more about the ordinance, you can review the agenda item here.
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