I just saw the notice in our local Sherwood Park News regarding the licensing fees for dogs. I cannot express how satisfied I was to see that unaltered puppies were given their first year's licence free! Last year, I went to the police department to discuss the issue of licensing regulations applicable  to puppies under the age of 6 months. 

Although I do have strong opinions regarding responsible spay and neuter practices, I took issue with their policies regarding licensing puppies. Under the old policy, a licence for a puppy of 7 wks old (when most individuals obtain a puppy) would cost $50 - the price for an unaltered dog. 

I felt this policy was unfair as, generally, veterinarians recommend spay/neuter surgery for puppies once they reach 6 months of age. Furthermore, there are the affects of anesthetics to be considered. Anesthetizing a young puppy can have life-threatening consequences and, although it is a common practice among shelters to spay/neuter dogs before they go to their new homes - regardless of age, it is not the recommendation of most vets in practice. In addition, there are other risks to be considered when performing surgery on a dog under 6 months of age.

So where does this leave the responsible pet owner who wishes to make the best decision for their pet? Do they listen to the recommendation of their vet and pay the cost of a licence for an unaltered dog? If this was, indeed, the intent of the policy, I deem it to be supercilious. An enforceable bylaw that carries a fine should not be in conflict with medical recommendations!

I suggested they accept a spay/neuter certificate from the owner's vet which would show payment and scheduled surgery date for the puppy. They could also make a note on the file requesting the owner show proof of spay/neuter whent the licence was renewed the following year. Alternately, they could charge the 'unaltered' fee of $50 and reimburse the difference when the owner showed proof of spay/neuter. This option would cause unnecessary administration costs but is, nonetheless, an option. Conscientious individuals who are intent upon adhering to the bylaws should be encouraged to abide by the recommendations of their veterinarian. To do otherwise is contentious.

Leaving the bylaws representative with my thoughts and recommendations, I hoped they would be considered. I'm certain that I was not the only individual expressing these concerns and, as there is power in numbers, believe that everyone who opened dialogue with authorities regarding this bylaw charge served as the impetus to the changes seen in 2010's  FIRST YEAR FREE LICENCE for anyone licensing an unaltered puppy under the age of 6 months.