Board adopts lifetime dog-license option, raises kennel fee; public commenter urged county to retain animal-control revenue

County Attorney Smith presented an ordinance amending Louisa County Code Chapter 14 (Animals) at a public hearing on Sept. 2 that would create a lifetime dog license priced at $10, allow a kennel license up to $50 for up to 50 dogs and remove a requirement related to the dog-tag content in section 14-24. Smith said the changes were recommended by the county treasurer’s office to streamline licensing procedures and could save compliant dog owners money over time.

The board opened a public hearing on the ordinance. Anne Melly, a citizen from nearby Spotsylvania County who said she was concerned about animal welfare, asked the board to consider keeping the revenue stream that supports animal-control, shelter operations, rabies clinics and spay/neuter programs. Melly said the state law requires treasurers to set aside license revenue in a separate fund for animal-control purposes and suggested that a three-year tag aligned with rabies-vaccine schedules would ease monitoring; she also urged the board to include references to state definitions and kennel requirements in the ordinance. Melly said lifetime tags wear out and that additional tags at the state cap of $1 could be required.

After the public comment period the board moved and seconded approval of the ordinance on the record; the motion passed during the meeting (recorded voice vote). County staff said the change reflects a recommendation from the treasurer’s office and that the state matches the law’s requirements regarding license records and fund use.

No countywide appropriation or withdrawal from animal-control funds was proposed or approved at the Sept. 2 meeting; the ordinance change affects licensure structure and fee levels but does not itself redirect existing animal-control funds.