ANAHEIM : Dog-Tag Price Rises; Seniors Get Break

Dog owners in Anaheim will pay higher licensing fees, but senior citizens who register their canines will get a discount under a new licensing policy introduced earlier this week.

A one-year dog license will increase from $18 to $22, but seniors can purchase a license for half-price--$11. Additionally, spayed and neutered dogs will cost $11 to license, but seniors will pay $5.50 if their dog has been sterilized.

The changes came after city staff reviewed a nearly 1-year-old policy that moved animal licensing from the county’s jurisdiction to that of the city.

Staff members decided that the city’s fees were low compared to the county’s, and that dog owners 65 years and older in Anaheim were not being given the discount offered by the county.

The proposed ordinance will be evaluated by the City Council on June 4. If approved, the increased fees would add $13,900 to the city treasury. Officials say the money will be used in part to offset the costs of maintaining animal shelters.