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Tooele police propose microchip‑based option, discuss enforcement and licensing rules for pets
Summary
Police Chief Adrian Day briefed the council on Tooele’s animal‑licensing code: current fees, license timing and enforcement counts. He proposed allowing microchipped animals to satisfy licensing if owners verify registration annually; staff will draft code language for a future business meeting.
Tooele City Police Chief Adrian Day told the council on June 4 that the city’s animal‑licensing rules require annual licenses for dogs and cats, currently tied to December‑31 expirations and late fees after Feb. 28.
Day said the code sets fees at $10 for sterilized dogs, $5 for sterilized cats and $35 for unsterilized animals; licenses expire Dec. 31 regardless of purchase date, and a late‑fee provision doubles the cost for licenses purchased after Feb. 28. He reported 1,015 dog licenses and 104 cat licenses on file mid‑2025, and said the department had handled about 595 animal‑related calls and taken enforcement action on roughly 95 of those incidents.
Day described a frequently raised public suggestion: require microchipping and allow owners who register a microchip and verify vaccinations and contact information annually to be treated as licensed. He said the city charges about $25 for a chip at the shelter and that staff would draft code language, working with the city attorney, to present at a future business meeting. Day said the proposed procedure would still require annual owner verification with the city so contact and vaccination status remain current.
Councilmembers discussed enforcement practicality for cats and commended outreach opportunities through local veterinarians and groomers. Staff confirmed the finance office accepts online licensing and that the city can mail license materials if needed. Concerns were raised that community or feral cats complicate enforcement because ownership is unclear; Utah law recognizes community cats in some circumstances, making consistent licensure of all outdoor cats difficult.
The discussion was informational. Chief Day said he will work with the city attorney and return recommended code language for council consideration at a future regular business meeting.
