Hundreds Of Dogs Remain Unregistered In Bedford

BEDFORD, NH — As the deadline to avoid fines approaches, hundreds of dogs in Bedford remain unlicensed, according to Town Clerk Sally Kellar. On Wednesday, the Town Council has authorized sending civil forfeiture letters to dog owners who have not registered their four-legged friends by next week. Those who have not registered their dogs by Sunday, June 23, should expect a fine.

With just one week or so before the deadline, Bedford still has 886 unlicensed dogs, 747 dogs whose licensing still needs to be removed, and 139 dogs of which the town is aware that have never been licensed, Kellar told the Town Council Wednesday.

The state law requires all dogs to be registered with the town each year if they are at least 4 months old. The deadline for dog registrations is end of April each year, and those who missed that deadline now have to pay $1 extra to register their dog. But as of June 23 dog owners will receive civil forfeiture letters with fines for each unlicensed dog. The initial fine is $25.

Although the letters pertain to civil forfeiture, Town Manager Rick Sawyer said he does not believe the town has anyone taken a resident's dog due to failure to register. But he said dog owners should expect additional notices and fines from the town if they ignore the licensing requirement.

Proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccination is required for registering one's dog. Those who no longer own a dog should notify the town clerk's office at 603-472-3550 ext. 2.

The Town Council authorized sending the civil forfeiture letters with one council members opposed, during Wednesday's meeting.