Dear FIDOS,

Last week the Salt Lake County Council considered exciting new ordinance changes. These changes were positively received and should be approved this week at their Tuesday meeting. FIDOS board members met with the Animal Services Director Shawni Larrabee and based on the conversation, fully endorsed the proposal.

This week on Tuesday, March 5th, the Salt Lake City Council will be considering similar changes. We encourage everyone to contact their councilmembers and Mayor Becker and ask them to support the proposal.

Here are the main points of the proposal and some explanation of our support:
1 – REMOVAL OF LIMITS OF PETS ALLOWED PER RESIDENCE
2 – CAT LICENSING
3 – HIGHER PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE
4 – SIX MONTH FREE TEMPORARY LICENSE FOR NEW PETS
5 – MICROCHIP AT NO COST WITH ANY LICENSE

These changes are based on a licensing program modeled after Calgary, Canada. The return rate for lost pets in Calgary is close to 80% due to stringent licensing requirements. The proposal emphasizes responsible pet ownership and pet safety along with developing a better interaction between pet owners and animal services. For example, pets who are picked up can be immediately identified and when possible would be returned home directly without being taken to the shelter.

This concept applies to cats as well as dogs. Many FIDOS members’ families include cats as well as dogs. It is important that these feline family members have the same protection as canine members.
We were also impressed with the emphasis on mediation and communication rather than strong enforcement.

You can view the City Council agenda at:
http://www.slcgov.com/council/agendas/2011agendas/April5/04052011.pdf
We encourage your support for this proposal, please let your elected officials know.

Your Friends at MillcreekFIDOS
www.MillcreekFIDOS.org