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Nowthen ends dog-licensing program after low uptake
Summary
Citing minimal participation and low enforcement value, the council voted to end the city's dog-licensing program and directed staff to remove licensing references from city ordinances.
The Nowthen City Council voted Aug. 12 to end the city’s voluntary dog-licensing program after staff reported only 16 licenses in 2023, nine in 2024 and seven so far in 2025. Administrator Natalie Johnson and council members said most owners rely on social-media alerts and microchips to reunite lost dogs with owners, and enforcement benefits appear limited.
Council Member Brian moved to end the practice and directed staff to remove licensing references from city ordinances; the motion passed. A lieutenant from the sheriff’s office confirmed the county would continue to enforce dangerous-dog rules and handle impounds.
Why it matters: Ending licensing removes a low‑use administrative process but keeps existing dangerous-dog enforcement. Staff will update the fee schedule and ordinances to reflect the change.
Next steps: Staff will revise ordinances and present changes for codification and update public-facing materials about how to report found animals.
