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Dogs and the FY '06 budget

Have you had a look at the FY '06 Budget?

The City Clerk's office estimates that 500 dog licenses will be issued in 2005 and projects that 600 dog licenses will be issued in 2006. In the 2005 budget the revenue generated by dog licenses is estimated at $5,000; the estimated revenue from dog licenses in 2006 is $10,000. Is the cost to license a dog in Somerville going double in 2006?

John Long, the City Clerk, explained to me today that the cost to obtain a dog licenses next year will not be double what it costs this year, but the fees are going up:

In 2005 licenses cost $6.00 for an altered (spayed/neutered) dog and $12.00 for an intact dog. The license fees are being increased, by $4.00, to $10.00 and $16.00 respectively. If I've done my math correctly, this is a 66% percent increase in the fee to license an altered animal and a 33% increase in the fee to license an intact animal.

What does it cost to license a dog in neighboring towns?

  • Arlington
    The cost for a Neutered Male/Spayed Female is $10.00.
    The cost for a Male/Female is $15.00.

  • Boston
    Spayed and/or neutered dogs $6
    Unspayed and/or unneutered dogs $17
    Pit Bulls & Pit Bull Mixes $501

  • Cambridge
    $5.00 (neutered/spayed dog)
    $15.00 (un-neutered/spayed dog)

  • Medford
    For a Neutered Male or a Spayed Female the fee is $6.00.
    For a Male or Female dogs [sic] the fee is $10.00.

1 somerville dog opposes breed specific legislation because it is ineffective in addressing real problems with dangerous dogs in our conmunities.

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