I'm not certain that this is the correct forum for this thread, but the subject has been raised in the "96 cats..." thread. I live in Germany, where animal shelters are both "no kill" and hopelessly overcrowded. Many animals spend years vegetating in shelters. Dogs must be licensed (and in many places the owner has to have liability insurance), and the annual "dog tax" runs from about $75 in small towns for the first dog (and roughly twice as much for the second) to about $250 in large cities. Owners of "dangerous breeds", which include bull terriers, American Staffordshires and the like, are generally required to pay much more, e.g., in my small town c. $1,250. Unfortunately, this tax is not earmarked for animal rescue, but is simply "revenue". There is no such thing as a "cat tax", and there are major problems with abandoned cats, non-neutered cats, feral colonies, and "cat hoarding". I know that more and more US communities are adopting such policies. I've "had my head chewed off" on German cat forums and in the cat rescue organization I belong to (and one I felt compelled to quit) for suggesting that a cat tax, with deep cuts for owners of cats adopted from shelters or accredited rescue organizations, neutered cats, or for senior citizens and welfare recipients, be instituted here. What are your thoughts on the matter? Perhaps my arguments simply aren't convincing enough, or I'm "barking up the wrong tree". Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Another question I have is, who benefits directly from the dog/cat license fees in your area? When I lived in PA, dog licenses were purchased directly from the county SPCA.
Another question I have is, who benefits directly from the dog/cat license fees in your area? When I lived in PA, dog licenses were purchased directly from the county SPCA.