The director of Health and Human Services has issued a warning that a majority of household dogs "present a public health and safety threat to our neighborhoods."
Animal Care Services renewed its warning this week, adding residents should help put the bite on the problem by helping to identify unlicensed or unvaccinated animals by submitting anonymous reports of unregistered animals.
"We encourage responsible pet ownership," said Ron Arias, the director, in a prepared statement. "compliance with state laws is about being a good neighbor and keeping our neighborhoods safe."
Licensing is also city law and violators face $50 and $100 citations.
Recent outbreaks of canine distemper and a confirmed case of rabies nearby have highlighted the importance of licensing and vaccinating pets, Arias emphasized in the announcement.
Last week, the City began distributing 170,000 fliers through utility bills in both English and Spanish, encouraging dog owners to get pets registered.
John Keisler, manager of Animal Care Services, said the tips should be easy.
"All we need is the address (and unit), and the number of animals at the property," he added. "We will scan the history of the address and follow-up."
Residents can make anonymous reports of unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs, or find more information about licensing their pets in the following ways: Phone 562.570-PETS (7387); email: animalcare@longbeach.gov; or licensing online at http://www.longbeach.gov/acs/pet_license/default.asp
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