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Pa. officials to search for unlicensed dogs
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
NEW CASTLE, Pa.
State officials will search door-to-door for unlicensed dogs in Lawrence County on April 27 and 29, May 11 and 13, and June 2, 3, 15 and 17, the State Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement announced.
Owner of unlicensed dogs can be fined up to $300 and court costs.
Rabies vaccinations also are required for dogs and for cats that enter a human dwelling, and are over 3 months old. A $300 fine can also be levied for unvaccinated animals.
Licenses must be purchased by Jan. 1 each year, according to state law. The fee is $6 for a spayed or neutered dog and $8 for other dogs. Senior citizens and people with disabilities can buy a license for $4 for spayed and neutered dogs and $6 for others.
The license also serves as a means of reuniting lost pets with their owners.
Dog licenses can be purchased at Lawrence County Treasurer Richard Rapone’s office at the Lawrence County Government Center, 430 Court St., where questions about licenses also can be directed by calling (724) 656-2123.
Licenses also are available at various sites around the county.
State law also provides that all dogs must be under control and may not run at large. Complaints can be reported to (724) 654-6381. To report unlicensed dog kennels or unsatisfactory kennel conditions, call the confidential toll-free tip line at (877) DOG-TIP1. The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement can be reached at (717) 787-3062 or at www.agriculture.state.pa.us by clicking on “Bureaus, Commissions & Councils,” then on “Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.”