LEWISTON — Fines for unregistered dogs more than double Feb. 1, according to City Clerk Kathy Montejo.

Montejo estimates that nearly 40 percent of the dogs registered in 2009 have been registered so far this year. That amounts to 600 dogs, she said.

Owners of dogs unregistered after Jan. 31 will have to pay a $15 fine, in addition to the registration fee.

Dog license fees are
$11 for a male or female, and $6 for a spayed or neutered animal, which means that the late fine is more than the cost of the license itself.

“We do
not want our residents to have to pay the $15 late fine, but it is a state requirement,” Montejo said.

Dog licenses are due Jan. 1 of each year. All dogs within Lewiston must be licensed, per state law. A dog owner can receive a license for their dog at the Lewiston City Clerk’s Office, located at City Hall.

Owners must show proof that the dog has a current rabies immunization certificate. If an animal is spayed or neutered, the owner should bring proof from the veterinarian of this as well. All dog licenses expire on Dec. 31 of each year. 

Dog owners can mail in their license renewal information to the City Clerk’s Office and receive the new tag back in the mail. The dog owner should mail a copy of the rabies certificate, along with the dog’s name, the owner’s name, address and phone number, and a check payable to the City of Lewiston for the correct amount. The rabies certificate will be mailed back to the owner, as well.

The clerk’s office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office phone number is 513-3124. Residents may visit the city’s Web site at http://www.ci.lewiston.me.us/clerk/doglicense.htm
for information regarding dog licensing as well.

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