Councilwoman wants pregnant pet fees in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD - Springfield may follow the lead of another Missouri city and impose a fee for having pregnant dogs or cats.

City Councilwoman Mary Collette, a strong advocate for responsible animal ownership, said Tuesday she will ask a council committee to review St. Joseph's pet ordinances.

Two new laws require St. Joseph pet owners to obtain a breeder's permit for $20 or a litter permit for $100 when their pets reproduce. St. Joseph animal control director Rick Smith says the permits have reduced the number of unwanted pets that end up at the city pound.

Fines for violating St. Joseph's litter permit law range from $100 to $500.

The ordinance requires all pets in town to be registered and immunized.

Collette also plans to discuss an ordinance that would fine people who abandon their pets.