Animal Census Clarified

Generally, when I read something that doesn’t make sense, I ask questions, surf the internet, and make phone calls. This is what I found out about the forthcoming “Dog Census.”

Springfield is 15 years overdue and the animal census is one of those unfunded mandates that all municipalities are required to accomplish. However, it only costs up to $2000 to accomplish and the money comes from fees collected from licensing your pet.

State Statute: 4:19-15.15. Canvass of dogs in municipality; report

Any person appointed for the purpose by the governing body of the municipality, shall, either annually or biennially, at the direction of the governing body, cause a canvass to be made of all dogs owned, kept or harbored within the limits of their respective municipalities and shall report, on or before September 1 of the year in which the census is taken, to the clerk or other person designated to license dogs in the municipality and to the local board of health, and to the State Department of Health the result thereof, setting forth in separate columns the names and addresses of persons owning, keeping or harboring unlicensed dogs, the number of unlicensed dogs owned, kept or harbored by each of said persons, together with a complete description of each of said unlicensed dogs.

Resolution 2013-94 - According to the recently adopted resolution a dog or cat census hasn’t occurred in 15 years. This request was made by recently re-instated autonomous Springfield Board of Health. The only reason they knew to make the request of the governing was because the newly contracted Madison Health Department that provides services to Springfield brought to their attention.

As the previous Chairman of the Board of Health, I read numerous health department reports and animal control reports and in just about every one of those report there was reported case of an unlicensed cat or dog. However, the previous Health Officer never mentioned to Board of Health or Governing body that a state mandated dog and cat census was required or Springfield was past due by 15 years.

Regarding the funding of the census taker, the same resolution mentioned above stated,  

“…the Township of Springfield authorizes the hiring and appointment of Linda Staub to conduct a dog and cat census in an amount not to exceed $2,000 for the satisfactory completion of such an animal census.”

The money is paid through the annual fees collected for pet licensing. This is not at tax payer expense.

Ironically of all things is that there is a town ordinance covering a dog census that has been in place since 1991.

Springfield Ordinance: 5-4 DOG CANVASS.

The Township shall annually cause a canvass to be made of all dogs owned, kept or harbored within the limits of the Township and shall report to the Township Clerk, the Health Department and to the State Department of Health the results thereof, setting forth in separate columns the names and addresses of persons owning, keeping or harboring dogs, the number of licensed dogs owned, kept or harbored by each person, together with the registration number of each dog; the number of unlicensed dogs owned, kept or harbored by each person, together with a complete description of each unlicensed dog. (1991 Code § 157-5)

This is one of many reasons why switching to the Madison Health Department was the right decision in 2012 despite the political rhetoric. They have proven to be a thorough and professional organization looking out for residents of Springfield. Keep up the good work!!!