Delaware County presses residents on the need for dog licenses

Delaware County started ramping up efforts last month to promote dog licenses. Back then, it looked as if the county SPCA was going to eliminate its animal control services.

But even now that the SPCA and county have reached an agreement to extend the service through the end of the year, Delco is still emphasizing the need for owners to get licenses for their dogs.

County Chairman Jack Whelan told Media Patch he estimates only half of the county’s dogs are licensed. That could have a big impact on the county soon, since the agreement with the SPCA requires the county to pay $125 per stray the SPCA takes in. Municipalities will pay $116 per stray. The absence of a license ups the odds that a dog becomes a stray.

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement will be canvassing the county this month to make sure dogs get licensed, so now’s your chance to get one.