Loudoun County invites members of the public to provide input about the licensing of dog kennels. The Department of Animal Services will host a public input session on Thursday, February 16, 2017, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., in the Board Room of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison S.E. in Leesburg. (Please note room change.)
The Commonwealth of Virginia stipulates that licensing of all dogs is required by law and enforced by local governing agencies. The department is seeking to clarify ambiguous language in Chapter 612 of the Loudoun County Codified Ordinances regarding whether kennel licenses are required in lieu of, or in addition to, individual dog licenses. A kennel is defined by Virginia Code as “any establishment in which five or more canines … are kept for the purpose of breeding, hunting, training, renting, buying, boarding, selling or showing.” Loudoun County residents are invited to give their thoughts on whether kennel operators should maintain individual licenses for each dog in their care or have the ability to purchase bulk licenses at a reduced fee.
“We want the people of Loudoun to weigh in with their thoughts and opinions on the matter so that the department can make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on licensing requirements for kennels,” said Director of Animal Services Nina Stively. “We know that Loudoun is an animal-loving community and hope that our citizens take this opportunity to guide the county in developing ordinances that help keep Loudoun’s pets safe and healthy.”
Dog licensing assists in reuniting lost pets with their families and also ensures that animals have current rabies vaccinations. Licensing fees support Animal Services programs including the care and housing for approximately 2,000 stray and abandoned animals a year, investigations of animal neglect and cruelty, emergency rescue and response services, adopting homeless pets, and community outreach and education programs.
Loudoun County residents who cannot attend the public session may submit feedback by
email or by mail to the Loudoun County Animal Shelter, 39820 Charles Town Pike, Waterford, VA 20197. Those submitting feedback in writing should include their full name and address. Written feedback will be collected until close of business Friday, February 17, 2017. All public input will inform recommendations to the Board of Supervisors concerning an amendment to Chapter 612 in late spring or early summer.
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