Clarion County will have a dog warden based in the county before the end of the year.
“A dog warden will be hired for only Clarion and Forest counties,” Clarion County treasurer Tom McConnell said.
“The fees collected from dog licenses fund the state dog wardens,” McConnell said. “They are the ones who police the kennels and investigate dog bites.”
“My name is on the back of the dog licenses,” he said. “I had a call recently at 2 a.m. because someone thought they had found my dog. I was able to look through the records and we found the dog’s real owner.
McConnell has issued about 6,600 dog licenses this year.
Any person found with an unlicensed dog is subject to a $300 fine.
Clarion County residents may begin purchasing dog licenses for 2020 in December. The licenses must be purchased by Jan. 1 for dogs three months of age and up.
Licenses can be purchased at RMS Furniture in New Bethlehem, Sligo Recreation Center, Lander’s Store in Lucinda, Knox Country Farm Supply Inc., Steiner’s Outdoors & More in East Brady, Rocky Acres Kennel in Clarion, Tri County Pet Rescue in Shippenville, Fryburg Old Treasure Depot, Doggie Bole in Rimersburg and the Strattanville Borough office.
Prices are $8.50 for male or female and $6.50 for neutered or spayed. There is a $2 discount for senior citizens and disabled applicants.
There are also lifetime licenses available at the treasurer’s office.
More information is available by calling (814) 226-1113.