Executive Pry's Pardon My Pooch Program Sees Early Success, Additional Events Scheduled

Early numbers reveal that citizens are responding well to County Executive Russell M. Pry's push to bring more local pet owners into compliance with the state dog licensing law: a regulation that requires citizens who own, keep or harbor a dog more than three months of age to purchase a county dog license on an annual basis.

On the 4th of August 2009, Pry announced his administration would begin 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 ONLY BEING OFFERED AT SELECTED COMMUNITY EVENTS through an amnesty program titled, Pardon My Pooch.

After two Pardon My Pooch amnesty events, the County of Summit Division of Animal Control reported licensing 99 dogs at the cost of $14 each.

Dog licenses provide citizens with proof of ownership should a pet go missing, assists in reuniting citizens with their dog, legally authorizes pets to visit area dog parks and generates revenue needed to supply food, shelter and vaccinations to abandoned animals.

"I am very pleased to see that local pet owners are responding to this program," stated County Executive Russ Pry.

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

• August 28
  6 - 8 p.m. (Outside the Main Entrance to the Stadium)
  Summit County Government Employee Night at Canal Park Stadium, Home of the Akron Aeros
  300 South Main Street, Akron
• September 18
  10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  Humane Society of Greater Akron's Imagine the Pawsibilities - Rummage Sale
  Stow-Kent Shopping Center, 4301 Kent Road, Stow
• September 19
  10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  One of a Kind Pets' Adopt-A-Thon
  Hardesty Park, 1615 W. Market Street, Akron
• September 20
  10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  PawFest at Bow Wow Beach
  Silver Springs Park, 5070 Stow Road, Stow
• Now through October 31
  10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sundays only)
  Barkitecture
  Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 North Portage Path, Akron

For more information on the Pardon My Pooch program, contact the County of Summit Division of Animal Control at 330-643-2845, or visit www.co.summit.oh.us.