Dog wardens to canvass Lawrence Co. for unlicensed dogs in July

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Dog wardens will canvas Lawrence County July 13 and July 15 looking for unlicensed dogs.

Dog owners could be fined up to $300 and court costs if their dogs do not have tags, county officials said.

Treasurer Richard Rapone said licenses are $8 for one year or $6 for a spayed or neutered dog. The rates are $6 and $4, respectively, for persons with a disability or those 65 and older.

Licenses are available from the treasurer’s office, 430 Court St.; Critter Corner, 1001 Wilmington Ave.; Pet Parlor, 4466 Mitchell Road; or the Lawrence County Humane Society on Pearson Mill Road.

Rapone also announced a first-ever “Canine Idol” contest, which is a photo competition for county dogs. The winner will be featured on the 2010 county dog-license renewal letter.

To participate, send a nonreturnable current photo of the dog no larger than 3-by-4 inches with your name, address and the dog’s name to “Canine Idol,” 430 Court St., New Castle, Pa.

Pictures must be received by July 31. Voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays from Aug. 3 to Aug. 31 at the county government center. Voting instructions are on the county Web site at www.co.lawrence.pa.us or by calling (724) 656-2123.

The winner will be notified Sept. 4 and will receive a certificate at the Sept. 8 county commissioners’ meeting.