(June 21, 2002) -- If your dog isn't licensed and you live in parts of the 9th, 8th and 7th Council districts, prepare for a possible knock on your door starting July 10th.

Operating on behalf of City Hall, L.A. County's Dept. of Animal Care and Control will begin 2,000 hours of dog license canvassing. Starting in NLB, they'll work southward until their contracted 2,000 hours expire, going to addresses with known or suspected unlicensed dogs and (in the words of a city press release) "assure that the dog receives a license."

"Canvassing is being focused in these Council districts because they have not been canvassed in recent years," says a written advisory from LB's Dept. of Health and Human Services.

It adds, "The City has utilized County dog license canvassing services for many years. The County provides the service under a contractual agreement, which was approved by the City Council on April 30, 2002. County staff will be in uniform, and will carry a letter from the City explaining their presence in the community."

Licensing is a part of City's mandate to control the spread of rabies because proof of rabies vaccination is required prior to licensing a dog.

The Manager of LB's Bureau of Animal Control, Roger Hatakeyama, tells LBReport.com the canvassers will use a City Hall database listing addresses that had licensed dogs but, for some reason, let the license lapse. Canvassers will also have addresses indicating the presence of a dog based on neighborhood reports or complaints. And if they hear a dog barking during their walk through the area, they also may pay a call on the address if the dog isn't listed as licensed.

Mr. Hatakeyama says canvassers should be able to issue a license on the spot (and collect the fee), perhaps allowing a couple of days in appropriate circumstances, but if the owner refuses they'll be issued a citation.

LBReport.com's Director of Security at our world headquarters, "Oscar" (right) is licensed and urges responsible dog owners to do the right thing. For further info, call LB Animal Control, (562) 570-PETS.