Pets May Be Held Longer New Agency Will Snag Strays, Fees For Impounded Dogs To Double

The City Council officially collared a new dog catcher Tuesday and is preparing to expand the minimum number of days an errant pet must be impounded before it’s killed.

The Watson Agency will be paid about $1,200 less per year than the last contractor to round up the city’s problem pooches and enforce the animal control ordinances. The Kootenai Humane Society will continue to house the animals picked up in the city limits.

The changing of the guard may mean that dog owners can purchase dog licenses at pet supply stores and veterinary clinics, said former Kootenai County Sheriff Rocky Watson, who owns the security agency with his wife, Mary. In the past, the annual licenses have been available only at the Humane Society.

The Humane Society refused to renew its contract as the city’s animal control officer as of Oct. 1. It demanded the council increase it’s $46,000 annual contract by $13,000 and provide a new pickup.

After the spat, the Humane Society hinted that its departure from the animal control scene might mean that impounded animals were put down or adopted out after two days instead of five. City code requires animals be kept at least two days.

Humane Society policy set the minimum at five days, the group said.

City officials emphasize that the city code never has said dogs have to be killed or given away after two days, just that it’s a minimum requirement. And Humane Society statistics show that nearly 90 percent of all dogs are claimed within 48 hours.

Nevertheless, the council is proposing to change the minimum to five days. “The council felt two days wasn’t long enough if someone was out of town,” explained John Austin, city finance director.

The council did acquiesce to one Humane Society request by proposing to double the daily boarding fee for impounded dogs. If changed, it means pet owners will have to pay $10 for every day their canine companion spends in dog jail.

Simultaneously, the council is preparing to double dog licensing fees. Animals that haven’t been spayed or neutered would cost $15 a year to license instead of $7. Fixed dogs would cost $7 a year to license instead of $3.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Hearing The City Council will hold a hearing on proposed changes in city code Nov. 13.