One change would provide discounts to senior citizens who own pets.
Frederick, Md (KM) Legislation to update regulations covering pet ownership is expected to come before the Frederick County Council. The bill being proposed by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater would establish a new fee schedule for pet licenses. It would also allow lifetime licenses for dogs and cats who are spayed or neutered. “This bill will also offer a senior discount for pet licensing. We feel this is very important because we know that older adults benefit from the companionship of animals, and we want to make sure that licensing is not a barrier to them,” says Fitzwater
Other changes would update the definition of “dangerous dogs,” and require owners of potentially dangerous dogs to update their addresses. “The revisions to our definitions of dangerous dog and potentially dangerous dog will better align with the broadly accepted standards that are set by what’s called the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale. This is something that is used in Animal Control Divisions across the nation,” she says.,
The proposed legislation would also clarify leash requirements, and update the “proper standards” definition.
Fitzwater says these changes are recommendations from Frederick County Animal Control, and will improve animal welfare and enhance publics safety. “We believe that our community is always going to support efforts that benefit public health and safety,” she says. “We think that all of the amendments we are proposing in this bill all lead us to that greater public health and public safety. So we feel like there’s going to be plenty of support for this bill.”
The County Council is scheduled to hold a workshop on this legislation on Tuesday, November 25th beginning at 5:30 PM.
By Kevin McManus