Archive: Opinions

I was saddened to see the changes made to dog licensing requirements in the Town of Lansing.

These changes will only impact those good dog owners who have always licensed their dogs and kept up vaccinations as required.

People who have never licensed their dogs will fly under the radar and continue as usual. Increased fees may make other dog owners reluctant to pay the increases or, worst case, give up or turn-out their dogs because of economic conditions.

Previous "Kennel Licenses" did require 4 registered dogs but did not require that they be un-neutered. The NEW "Purebred" kennel license now requires at least 5 dogs and at least 5 must be un-neutered. Is Lansing now going to be promoting the breeding of purebred dogs - sounds like that! (Picture Lansing as promoting new Puppy Mills).

I do understand that the State has placed the burden of Dog Licensing on the Towns, however, when I spoke with the Town Clerk, after this change was first reported, she indicated that it was not going to be any problem since they already handled it for the State Licenses. What has changed? Why the increased fees and requirements if it will not be additional work.

I really wish someone had gathered together some of the town residents who are actively involved with dogs on a daily basis, training, kenneling, breeding, boarding, etc. and asked for input.

I have spoken with several long time dog owner/trainers and they were as surprised as I was when I got the "Important Update" notice about the NEW "Law" had been passed or they had not heard about the change at all and were unhappy about the prospects.

Gail Van Wicklen
Lansing