Puppies: reduced licensing fee.

Existing law authorizes counties to issue dog licenses and dog license tags for a fee, as specified. Existing law provides that whenever dog license tags are issued, the tag shall be issued for 12 or less of the fee required for a dog, if a certificate is presented from a licensed veterinarian that the dog has been spayed or neutered. This bill would provide, in addition, for a reduced fee for a dog license tag, as specified above, if a certificate is presented from a licensed veterinarian stating that the dog is a puppy under the age of 8 months. The bill would make conforming changes to a related provision. By expanding the population of dogs eligible for a reduced license fee, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program on local government which would administer the expanded program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.