Olivia and Cloe (Photo Vernon Matters)

By Kevin Rothwell

New fines being consided

‘Ruff’ start for the new RDNO dog licensing program

Jan 10, 2021 | 8:00 AM

The Regional District of North Okanagan’s (RDNO) change in its dog licencing program has been slow to catch on.

Despite a December rush to avoid the late fee, just over half of the dogs licensed in the area in 2019 had renewed. Between 3,200 and 3,300 have got new licenses with another 3,000 outstanding.

“I think with COVID, the new system, many things. When I talk to people, they are like ‘Oh I forgot all about that,’ so it’s not like they are trying to not get their license. I just think there is so much going on it the world right now, that it’s not top of mind,” Leah Mellott, General Manager, Electoral Area Administration RDNO, said.

Mellot was meeting with the new contractor, DocuPet, on Friday to try determine a strategy to get the remaining 3,000 to renew.

“One strategy we are talking about is what we call “robo-calls.” Basically it would be a phone call to the number on file from last year, I have read the script. It’s a very friendly call, introducing the program and providing the contact information,” Mellot said.

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If you haven’t renewed your dog license, you can find the information at this link.

A draft of a new dog control bylaw for the RDNO service area is also near completion, modeled after the Village of Lumby bylaw.

“It is significantly different than the RDNO bylaw, and would see increased fine rates if approved,” Mellot said. “Feedback so far has been very positive.”

The RDNO board may see the draft at the next meeting on Jan. 20.