Winnipeg pet owners get break from fines, urged to get licences

The City of Winnipeg is giving pet owners the chance to avoid a $250 fine but only for a short time.

The city's animal services agency is holding a pet licence amnesty campaign from Aug.22 untilSept.30, giving people the chance to buya licence while avoiding any retroactive fees and fines.

It is the law in Winnipeg that all dogs and cats over the age of six months must be licensed.

BeginningOct. 1, Winnipeg will become a zero-tolerance pet licensing city, which means pet owners whose animals are not licensed will face a$250 fine.

In addition, if an unlicensed pet is impounded, the pet owner is responsible for impound and boarding fees. Unclaimed unlicensed pets can be adopted to another family or sent to a rescue after three days.

However, licensed petsenjoy a "free release program" where impound and boarding fees are waived, the city says.

There are a number of ways to purchase or renew a pet licence:

• Online:winnipeg.ca/animalservices
• Phone: 311
• In-person at the following locations:
  Animal services agency 1057 Logan Ave.
  Bilingual service centre 170 Goulet St.
  Community bylaw enforcement services division 18 -30 Fort St.
  311 Customer Service Counter 510 Main St.