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What’s new, pussycat? Winnipeg introduces licensing fees

WATCH: City of Winnipeg cat licensing promotional video

WINNIPEG — Cat owners in Winnipeg will need to get their pet licensed or face a fine starting Jan. 1.

City council voted in 2013 to approve new regulations for cat owners that include an annual licensing fee of $15 for spayed and neutered cats and $50 for others. For dogs, the fee stays the same as before – $31 for those spayed and neutered and $65 for intact dogs.

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In order to promote the licensing, the hashtag #Whiskerpeg has started up on Twitter, and promises “equality for cats” as well as information for those looking to register their pets.

“Introducing #Whiskerpeg is a unique way to spread the message about the importance of cat licensing,” said Leland Gordon, chief operating officer of the city’s Animal Services Agency. “[It] also reminds animal lovers that 50 per cent of their cat licensing revenues go to community spay and neuter programs, helping other cats throughout the City of Winnipeg.”
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Although some people online have voiced their hesitation about paying, the price of not licensing your pet far outweighs the $15 fee. Owners of pets caught without a licence could be fined up to $250, a fee that could leave you as crazy as a cat lady.

Cat owners can pre-purchase licences starting Dec. 1. They can buy licences online, by calling 311, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or in person at the Animal Services Agency.

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