Libertyville cats, dogs soon will need licenses

By LACEY JACOBS

Ledger staff writer

LIBERTYVILLE ? Libertyville cat and dog owners will soon be required to license their pets each year.

The Libertyville City Council will hold the second reading in November of an ordinance requiring each cat and dog older than 6 months to be licensed annually. The fee per animal will be $5 for each of the first three and $25 for each additional animal.

Any household with eight or more animals must be a licensed kennel.

Mayor Michelle Stump said the ordinance is targeted at the city?s wandering animals and overpopulation of cats. The city wants to ensure people are accountable for their pets and can be tracked when necessary.

?It?s what the council, after thorough research and contemplation, has come up with as a solution to the problem,? Stump said.

She said the city has dealt with ongoing complaints about cats.

?People feed them, but take no responsibility for them,? Stump said. The city?s involvement in free spay and neuter programs also has not solved the problem.

Stump said Libertyville?s ordinance is modeled on others in nearby communities, such as that in Eldon.