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The Town of Columbia has issued a press release to remind owners of dogs and cats in that they must obtain a registration for each animal owned. The annual license tax is $10 for unfertile (sterilized) dogs and $5 for unfertile (sterilized) cats. The license fee for fertile or unsterilized dogs is $20 each and the fee for fertile cats is $10 each.

Owners must provide documentation that animals have been sterilized in order to secure the lesser registration fee. No registration, permit or tag will be issued unless written proof of current rabies vaccination is shown at the time of application for registration.

Upon payment of fees, a license tag will be issued and must be displayed on a collar or harness. Any animal found without a tag will be considered a stray. Any animal owner failing to provide a collar and license tag shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine of up to $50, according to the town.

Handicapped assistance dogs and working law enforcement dogs are exempt, but an application for exemption must be filed with the town.

License tags are on sale at the Town of Columbia Municipal Building, located at 103 Main Street in Columbia, during regular weekday business hours.

Residents are also reminded that dog kennels are prohibited within the Town of Columbia. A dog kennel is defined as a facility, structure or property, either enclosed, open, covered or fenced that contains four or more dogs over the age of three months. Violation of this ordinance can also result in a fine.

To report animal problems or complaints, call the Tyrrell County animal control officer at 252-394-6542. If you have questions about registering your pet, call 252-796-2781.

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