City to begin fining owners of unlicensed dogs

ROCHESTER - City officials are reaching out to dog owners to remind them all dogs over four months need to be registered and that civil fines are in the offing for owners who don't.

At this time there are approximately 1,000 dogs that have not been licensed this year, according to officials.

The city's Animal Control Officer and City Clerk will soon be issuing civil forfeitures in mid-August to all unlicensed dog owners within the city, according to a press release on Thursday.

Once issued each owner will be assessed a civil penalty of $25 per dog with a $5 servicing fee. If citizens haven't remembered to license their dogs they can do so at the City Clerk's office Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

The licensing is required by state law (RSA 644:1).

Anyone who registered a dog last year in Rochester who no longer has the dog can call ACO Sue Paradis at 330-7122.