OLD ORCHARD BEACH — After the deadline for dog license renewals passes, many municipalities begin to crack down on those who haven’t renewed. 

Old Orchard Beach police logs show that on March 18, six people were issued a summons for keeping an unlicensed dog. 

Old Orchard Beach Police Captain David Hemingway said one of the department’s police officers works with the Town Clerk’s Office to determine who has not renewed their dog licenses.

Notifications are sent out to those who have not renewed the licenses. After follow up with an officer, those who still have an animal in town that is not licensed are issued summons. 

“We try to work closely with the clerk’s office on this issue to make sure animals are properly licensed and vaccinated within town,” said Hemingway. “This also helps in the event of a lost dog or a dog that may be involved in an incident of some sort whether it’s a dog bite or confrontation with another animal.”

Dog licenses are $6 for dogs that have been spayed or neutered, and $11 for dogs who haven’t been. Dog licenses are available at Town Hall with proof of rabies vaccination. 

All dogs need to be licensed by age six months in the town where they live, said Old Orchard Beach Town Clerk Kim McLauglin. Dogs who have been adopted must be licensed after 10 days with their new owner. 

McLaughlin said dog license renewals are due Dec. 31, with a grace period of one month. Per state law, a $25 late fee is added to those who don’t pay by Jan. 30. McLaughlin said that town records show that 1,170 dogs in town have had their licenses renewed, and about 21 dogs have not. 

There also may be dogs in town who have never been licensed and may not be in the town’s records. 

For every $6 licensing fee from dogs who have been spayed or neutered, the town clerk keeps $1 for recording fee, and deposits $2 for a town animal welfare account, in accordance with state law. The remaining $3 goes to the state Animal Welfare Program. 

For every $11 licensing fee for dogs that haven’t been spayed or neutered, the town keeps $1 for a recording fee and the remaining $10 goes to the state Animal Welfare Program, in accordance to state law.

McLaughlin said though the town only retains $1 on the $11 licenses, the time spent on issuing them is worthwhile because the money that goes to the state goes toward helping animals. 

The state Animal Welfare Program responds to complaints of animal cruelty and neglect, implements animal control officer training programs, helps implement spay and neuter programs for low-income cat and dog owners and partners with nonprofit animal shelters to provide immediate shelter of rescued animals from abuse or neglect situations, according to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry website. 

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.