Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
3 <br /> In coming to a conclusion, the Board recognized that the cat population is <br /> growing more rapidly than the dog population, as evidenced by the increased <br /> number of cats impounded at the Animal Shelter. This year the number of cats <br /> impounded has now exceeded the number of dogs for the first time. Given this <br /> information, there does not seem to be any reason to continue a license fee for <br /> cats that is lower than dogs. Furthermore, the Board decided to increase the <br /> difference between the fee for a sterile animal and a non-sterile animal. <br /> Therefore, the Board of Health approved the Health Director's recommendation to <br /> establish fees as outlined in option 3, at the rate of $5.00 dollars for sterile <br /> animals and $15.00 dollars for unsterile animals. In addition, the Board <br /> approved a proposal that owners with more than five animals be offered a reduced <br /> rate according to the schedule as outlined in Option 3 of Figure 4. These <br /> reduced rates would apply to all existing animals and any new animals added <br /> during the next three years. After a three year period, there would be no <br /> reduced rates for additional animals added. Finally, the Board approved <br /> exempting owners of animals with guide or assistance dogs and owners over sixty- <br /> two years of age from license fees if they could provide proof that the animals <br /> had been spayed or neutered. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): This position was included as a recommendation in the 1993-94 <br /> Manager's Budget. The Manager recommends the approval of the <br /> new fee schedule under Option 3 based on the following: <br /> 1. It provides a greater differential- in <br /> fee structure for sterile and <br /> unsterile dogs and cats and the <br /> greater incentive to pursue spay and <br /> neuter procedures on the part of <br /> animal owners. <br /> 2. Requires the same fee for cats and <br /> dogs. <br /> 3. Provides exemptions for <br /> guide/assistance dogs and owners over <br /> 62 years of age whose animals have <br /> been spayed or neutered. <br /> 4. The additional revenue offsets the <br /> increased costs in administering the <br /> Animal Control Program. <br /> The Manager notes that additional clarity <br /> should be provided for the proposal to <br /> reduce rates for owners of multiple <br /> animals. <br />