Cedar Rapids pet owners talk licensing, animal control

The city council has given itself more time to address proposed changes, including a new license requirement for dogs and cats, to Cedar Rapids' animal control rules. Based on the turnout at the first public meeting on the issue, they'll need it.

About 50 people turned out at the city's police station for a sometimes-spirited two-hour discussion on the proposed changes, which also include provisions on animal treatment and enforcement of existing laws. But it was the licensing plan that drew virtually all of the criticism.

“People kind of forget there's so many people in this community who don't have much money,” said Mary McBride. “I think there's a real danger of unintended consequences.”

McBride, who said she has a dog and “several” cats, said she can afford the proposed $10 annual license fee per animal – $35 for those not spayed or neutered - plus an administration fee of up to $5 per license. But she's worried those who can't will abandon their pets.

“I think they're trying to do something good, but I'm not sure it's the right thing to do,” she said of the license plan.

“It's all about the money,” said Jan Stegen, owner of two dogs and a cat. “I don't think those who are responsible pet owners should be assessed a fee.”

Although most comments were critical of licensing, it was far from unanimous. Craig Rathje said he doesn't mind licensing his animals, as long as the revenue goes only to Animal Control.

“I can see where there would be frustration” if license fees are shifted elsewhere, Rathje said. “There has to be transparency.”

Rathje also suggested Animal Control could set up a donation campaign to help fund licenses for low-income pet owners.

Diane Webber, the city's manager of animal care and control, estimates licensing would raise $60,000 in its first year, with higher compliance and revenues in following years.

Webber said the basic $10 fee is “a fair average” of rates in Midwest cities.

Police Sgt. Kent Choate, who supervised animal control before Webber took over last September, said the license fees and other planned changes will allow the city to upgrade the operation.

“I want to acknowledge that the city has done a poor job of animal control for a number of years,” Choate said. “We're trying to move forward.”

First scheduled for an initial public hearing at Tuesday's City Council meeting, the proposal was pulled Friday to allow more public input. Webber expects the council to hold more than one hearing on the issue.

Citizens who were not able to attend Friday's open house may submit comments by emailing

animalcontrol@cedar-rapids.org or calling 286-5993.