Drop-offs prompt hike in dog license fees in Dayton

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Dayton-area officials say they are raising fees for dog licenses to help ease a budget crunch and to care for the increased number of dogs dropped off at shelters.

Montgomery County commissioners on Tuesday approved increasing the fees from $16 to $20 beginning next year. Nearby Greene County is increasing fees from $12 to $15.

The Montgomery County Animal Resource Center has had 19 percent more dogs brought in this year compared to 2008.

Director Mark Kumpf believes the slumping economy is prompting more owners to part with their pets because they can’t afford them or can’t keep them as they downsize to apartments or move in with relatives.