Lebanon animal ordinance now in Effect

I was wondering how the sales of the animal tags were going in the City of Lebanon, so I stopped in city hall to check. I was shocked at the answer. "Ninety" was the reply that I received. Although the city ordinance went into effect the first of the year, I was surprised with the number since there has been limited publicity of these new laws. This weekly article, our time slot on Mike FM 100.9 (every Friday at 7:40 a.m.) and the local news coverage from our media friends have been the only ways Lebanon residents have learned of the new laws. That is why we are surprised with the number of licenses that have already been sold. It shows that we have a good number of responsible pet owners living in the City of Lebanon

For those of you who haven't bought their license yet, you still have time to make your pet legal. The grace period has yet to be determined, but for those pet owners waiting, know that the law is now in effect. If your unlicensed animal is the subject of a complaint and it does not have the necessary requirements, you could face charges. Kentucky state law requires all dogs and cats over four months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. Now the City of Lebanon requires all dogs and cats over four months of age to be licensed with the city, and you will be required to show proof of the rabies shot.

The license can be purchased at Lebanon City Hall for $5 for altered, $10 for unaltered and $25 for dogs and cats with a litter under four months. A reminder, this fee schedule is for each animal. You own five altered dogs you will owe $25. All money collected will be turned over to the Marion County Animal Shelter, so it goes to a good cause.

I suggest that all animal owners in the city limits obtain a copy of the ordnance, since there are many restrictions and you might be breaking the law and not even know it, but I bet you have a neighbor that knows.  

In other news from the Marion County Animal Shelter we will be joining Hill's Pet Nutrition and critically acclaimed television star Kyra Sedgwick to help find cats and dogs loving homes on Jan. 24. This is a national initiative to provide potential, new pet owners with a chance to change a pet's life for the better. Our shelter is one of 300 that will be participating in a national free adoption day on Jan. 24. For more information on "Change a Pet's Life Day" please call the animal shelter at (270) 692-0464.

That's all for this week. Remember your outside animals in this cold weather and make sure their needs are taken care of. For those looking for a new addition to your family, come and see our great selection of animals here at the Marion County Animal Shelter.