Local News in Brief : Increases in Animal Control Fees Urged

Los Angeles County animal regulation officials recommended Thursday a series of fee increases that include proposals to double the cost of “back-yard breeder” permits and penalties for delinquent dog licenses.

The suggested changes, which could be considered by the Board of Supervisors later this month, also call for increases in fees charged for picking up dead animals from veterinary hospitals, schools and other places.

Under the plan, the fee for back-yard breeding would increase from an annual $50 per female dog to $100. The $10 penalty fee for dog owners who are more than 30 days late in renewing annual dog licenses would jump to $20. And the fee for picking up dead animals would increase from $10 per stop to $17.43.

In a memo, Brian Berger, director of the Department of Animal Care and Control, told supervisors that the fee increases reflect higher costs and also would raise funds for public education and enforcement of animal regulations.