WINNIPEG — As of October 1st the break is over for pet owners and any unlicensed pets risk fines for owners.
The City of Winnipeg Animal Services Agency held a pet licensing amnesty campaign that ran from August 22nd to September 30th. The break allowed non-licensed pet owners the chance to not be charged a fine if their animals weren’t licensed at the time.
As of October 1st a few changes have also come in to effect that were initially brought to light in July. In order to improve efficiency in the animal licensing process, Animal Services said they’ve made some changes to where you can buy your pet licenses. Previously, owners could buy a license from various places like animal rescues and vets. Now, the city has limited that to its website, through 311, by mail, or in-person at their locations.
The rule through the City of Winnipeg states that all dogs and cats over the age of six months must be licensed.
Pet owners are divided on the situation. Some told Global News that if they don’t have the time to go during the day, and perhaps don’t have computer access this makes it very difficult for them.
Others also said they didn’t understand the necessity to license a 16-year-old cat that just sits at home all day. But, out of fear of a $250 fine they licensed their old cats anyways.
The city said pet licensing provides ongoing revenues to help fund services that the City of Winnipeg has implemented to help pets, including:
- Housing and care for lost pets
- Reunite lost pets with their owners
- Provide emergency attendance at house fires, car accidents, and police incidents to help in the removal and care of pets
- Operate a pet adoption program
- Support low-cost community spay/neuter programs
- Educate the public about responsible pet ownership
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