COSTA MESA

There could be as many as 7,000 unlicensed dogs in the city, according to a firm the city is considering hiring to track them down. Today the council will consider a contract with Civic Collections Inc. to conduct a citywide survey to identify unlicensed dogs and their owners. Licensing animals is done primarily to control and track rabies, staff reports said. Cracking down on the dogs would not only increase compliance, but it could also lead to an increase in revenue.

In return for their services, Civic Collections is asking for 60% of the first year’s license and $1 for each dog identified.