Yogi is 13.5 weeks old. We are waiting to neuter him after his first birthday, per our breeder's contract and evidence of the benefits of doing so on his health and longevity. In discussing this with his vet, and the timing of his rabies vaccination, which gets reported to the City via computer, I learned that the City requires all new pets to be altered before their 6 month point or the owner must obtain an Intact Animal Permit. I thought, okay, not a big deal...until I got home and pulled up the ordinance. Basically, when he gets his rabies shot we must register him with the city, as required by ordinance. For altered pets this is $7, for intact pets it is $30. OK, fine, not a big deal. In addition, the City requires I obtain an Intact Animal Permit with an annual fee of $70. Again, not a big deal if in the long run I give Yogi a better chance at a longer, healthier life...but not so fast... In order to get this permit the owner must:
1. Microchip the dog (not a problem, we will do this at 6 months).
2. Be a member of a pure breed animal club approved by Dallas Animal Services ...or... go down and take a course on responsible pet ownership, conducted by Animal Services. This is the same organization that let a cat escape into the interior walls of the offices and die because the manager at the time did not want to cut a hole in the drywall to get it out. Yes, the manager ultimately lost his job over that, as he should; however, I wonder about just how responsible they are and if the staff should be teaching a course like this- after all if I worked there I would have just made the holes in the drywall myself, probably in frustration from working there.
3. Show proof of current vaccinations (not a problem).

I am not inclined to take a course from the city so I investigated joining the local Golden Retriever club and learned it will take longer than I have to complete the Intact Animal Permit application process since it requires attending 3 meetings and a vote. My next option, and one I like, is to join the Golden Retriever Club of America, which is something I've considered for awhile. Just to make sure this club will meet the requirements I decided to call Animal Services and ask. Here is how this conversation went:

Me: I'd like to determine if membership in the Golden Retriever Club of America will be sufficient to satisfy the requirement for the Intact Animal Permit that the owner be a member of a purebreed animal club.

Employee: The what Permit?

Me: The Intact Animal Permit.

Employee: We have one of those??

Me: Uh, yes, it's in the city ordinances.

Employee: I've never heard of that type of permit.....

I cannot believe my property taxes pay this organization's payroll.

The employee suggested I call another number and leave a voice mail. I did so, but my guess is I will not get a return call. Sheesh....

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Meet Yogi! http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...tion-yogi.html

the right hand and the left hand...and never the twain shall meet, etc., etc.

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Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

How much is the fine if you do not have an intact animal permit? It may not be worth your frustration to get one, obviously they don't issue a lot of them.

I would probably just pay the fees for the intact animal permit and leave it at that. If they bother you about anything else, then deal with it at that point.

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I actually called the animal control about the one in my city. The fees are much higher here. At the time it wasn't an issue, but we were looking for another dog, so I told him about my previous breeder's contract and waiting at least a year. He told me not to worry about it, that they only enforced the law for the irresponsible owners.

Anytime I have called up the town hall about animal stuff - horse, ducks, chickens, etc. they have always had me call animal control, because they have no idea.

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That's quite the run around. I think i might be inclined to skip all this paperwork and fees since you do plan to have him neutered at a year. Wonder what the fine is for an unaltered male.? Maybe not as much as all this.

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[SIGPIC]

The big sticker for me about our animal control department, is that the city council (of my small city outside SD) controls the fees but the money doesn't go to the animal control dept., it gets spent however the city deems it.


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If I remember correctly from a post sometime ago, Dallas is a lawyer so may not like this approach but in this case I think it's worth considering. Part way through the original post, I thought I can't believe people actually comply with this. From the clerks response it sounds like they don't.

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Zoe, Rockwall Nantucket Breeze, BN, CGC, Delta therapy dog
Zeke, our introduction to the world of Golden Retrievers

I don't have a problem obtaining the permit, though it is clear from reading the actual ordinance that it is geared towards back yard breeding and not owners of puppies who wish to wait a bit to alter their pet. If I didn't have a history with this department already, specifically the registration area, I'd blow them off; however, I've had some experience first hand with the incompetence of the animal registration section and don't want to risk not complying. Our Barkley died in 2010, yet DAS continually sent me notices of our Barkley's past due registrations, for two years after his death. Our vet sent them proof of death at least two times yet last June they actually sent me another notice, threatening fines for non-compliance. At that point I called Animal Services and confirmed they knew Barkley was deceased and it was noted on their records, yet they could not explain the notice that was sent to me despite it being marked on the records. I immediately contacted my city council rep, talked with his assistant, asked for her help and requested Animal Services send me an email apology. I received a phone call and the email within an hour from the person in charge of animal registrations. So, the bottom line is I don't trust Animal Services..

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Meet Yogi! http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...tion-yogi.html

Have you considered moving to another jurisdiction? (Just a feeble attempt at humor.)

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Zoe, Rockwall Nantucket Breeze, BN, CGC, Delta therapy dog
Zeke, our introduction to the world of Golden Retrievers