Steinbach city council is considering a significant increase in the fee for a dog licence. Currently, for a dog that is spayed or neutered, the licence costs $10 for the life of the pet. A proposal by the administration would see that cost increased to $25 and be made an annual fee. It suggests part of the money go toward the cost of animal control and part of it toward capital projects for pets.

Councillor Michael Zwaagstra says he cannot support the recommendations at this point.

"That is a substantial increase and I think that, before we even consider moving in a direction like that, we need to be very clear about what would dog owners be getting for that fee. So, if there is a specific capital improvement, for example a dog park, something specific that would actually benefit dog owners that this would be paying for, that's something that I'd be willing to consider. But then we need to communicate it properly, put the information out, make sure people have an opportunity to provide comment and then, if we feel there is significant support, then proceed. But don't just increase the fees with a promise that we'll do something later, that's not appropriate."

He adds only about 70-80 dogs in Steinbach have a licence, far fewer than the total number of dogs.

Councillor Cari Penner notes many people have their pets tagged in other ways and the licence idea may be out of date.

"There are many ways to tag your pet like computer chips and tattoos and things of that nature that were not available years ago when we instituted a licensing program for dogs. So I'm thinking we should perhaps just take a step back and see if this is still a relevant by-law for the city because we're obviously seeing that people don't feel that they need to register their dogs here and get a licence."

Councillor John Fehr says he is concerned the proposed fee is much too expensive for some dog owners who don't have a lot of money but rely heavily on their pets for companionship.

Council has asked the administration to revise the plan with more specifics about the best way of identifying dogs and on how the money from higher fees would be used.

The city currently spends $33,000 a year on animal control measures but collects only $1,000 a year in licence fees.