By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Pet registrations in Hays for 2020 have begun and will continue through the end of February.
"The city gives from Jan. 1 to March 1 to get your city pet tags without penalty," said Stan Moore, animal control officer.
After March 1, there is an additional penalty of $10 that incurs every month, he said.
In order to complete registration, proof of a current rabies vaccination is required.
The fee for pets that are spayed or neutered will be $5 during the registration period.
Registration for animals that are not spayed or neutered will be $25.
The tags can be obtained in the City Clerk's Office in City Hall, 1507 Main, or in the Municipal Court Office, 105 W. 12th.
Pet registrations are a key component for the department to find pet owners, Moore said.
"It's cheap insurance," he said. "We can look the pet tags up 24 hours a day and get (the pet) right back to their owners without impounding."
Moore also said cats, just like dogs in Hays are required to be registered and be kept, "under control."
"You can't just let your cat outside and let it run around," Moore said.
Any animal found outside of the owners' control is a citable offense, he said.
"You can be cited for cats at large, just like you would a dog at large," Moore said.