Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry Launches Amnesty Program, Pardon My Pooch

Now through December 31, 2009, at certain special events, County Executive Russell M. Pry will be waiving the $14 late-fee regularly charged to citizens who have yet to purchase a 2009 Summit County Dog License. The unique, cost-saving opportunity is being offered through an amnesty program for the owners of dogs currently not licensed in Summit County. The program is titled, Pardon My Pooch.  Amnesty is being offered at special events (listed below) with future Pardon My Pooch opportunities to follow.

"Simply, the primary goal of the Pardon My Pooch program is to bring more pet owners into compliance with the state law, without causing any financial distress to a household," stated Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry.

According to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), citizens who own, keep or harbor a dog more than three months of age are required to purchase a county dog license on an annual basis.

Licenses must be renewed annually from December 1st through January 31st, or within 30 days of acquiring a new dog. Puppies must be licensed by the time they reach three months of age. Citizens who fail to meet these deadlines may be penalized with a $14 late fee.

As of January 31, 2009, the County of Summit licensed 19,911 dogs. In an effort to encourage the licensing of more dogs, officials extended the cut-off date to March 31st. The extension resulted in 15,568 additional dogs being licensed.

"To date, in 2009, the County of Summit has licensed 41,441 dogs," added Pry. "In 2008, we issued 42,402 licenses."

The benefits of dog licensing include: being in compliance with the state law, having proof of ownership documentation and the legal authorization to visit area dog parks and participate in pet-friendly community activities.

The cost to purchase a 2009 Summit County Dog License is $14. Licenses for dogs providing assistance to disabled persons are free of charge and valid throughout the duration of the animal's life. All funds generated from the sale of dog licenses are used to feed, house and vaccinate abandoned animals in need.

Representatives from Executive Pry's Pardon My Pooch program will be selling dog licenses and waiving late-fees at the upcoming community events:

• August 15
  Adopt-A-Thon (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
  Acme Fresh Market
  3235 Manchester Road, Akron
   
• August 19
  Akron Aeros' Pet Day (6 p.m.)
  Canal Park Stadium
  300 South Main Street, Akron
   
• May 9 - October 31
  Barkitecture (10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sundays only)
  Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
  714 North Portage Path, Akron

Additional pet friendly amnesty events will be announced in the near future. For more information on the Pardon My Pooch program, contact the County of Summit Division of Animal Control at 330-643-2845, or click on www.co.summit.oh.us .