Greater Napanee council has approved an updated dog licensing program following a staff report presented this week.
The report, which follows a deputation last November, reveals that only 615 of the 763 available dog licenses for 2024 have been renewed, representing an 80% compliance rate. With an estimated 2,000 dogs in Napanee, this indicates many dogs are not licensed.
Bylaw officer Arthur Cooke highlighted that license compliance rates are generally low across Canada. In response, the town is introducing a new strategy that focuses on three key areas: educate, incentivize, and enforce.
The education campaign will include printed materials and social media outreach, while Ren’s Pets gift cards will be offered as incentives for dog owners who license their pets. Increased enforcement will also be implemented to ensure better compliance. Council passed a motion to adopt the staff report and its recommendations to improve the program.
Written by Emily Chatwood
