LICENSE TO IGNORE

Wednesday, 22 February 2017 04:20

Dear Dog Ethicist:

 I just received a bill for a new dog license. Since my dog is microchipped, spayed and up to date on all her shots (including rabies) do I really need to pay the annual fee for a new license? Yes, it’s only $20 but I feel I’m already following all of the rules of being a good, responsible dog owner.

Paula,

Los Angeles

 

You sound like a terrific dog owner. But you could be an even terrific-er one if you cough up the Andrew Jackson. The purchase of a dog license isn’t like taping a twenty-dollar bill to your Rottweiler’s nose and then letting him stick his head out the car window as you drive down the highway in the passing lane. Your money helps fund Animal Services, which contributes to caring for stray animals as well as spaying and neutering programs. Yes, you can probably get away with not paying but you can also probably get away with stealing a bag of Doritos from the 7-Eleven when that oblivious cashier with the lazy eye is working. Think of it as a gift to all animals and it will be a lot more palatable.