Santa Ana’s Dog Fees

Santa Ana residents were recently outraged by the Gestapo-like tactics of city representatives who knocked on their door and demanded immediate payment of dog license fees.

Due to the high rate of crime in Santa Ana, many residents have obtained a dog, primarily as a deterrent to burglars. Who would deny that a dog is more of a deterrent to unwanted intruders than a cat? Yet, cat owners are not subject to paying license fees.

Not too long ago, a Santa Ana police officer suggested that concerned residents obtain a Doberman pinscher because the understaffed Police Department was no longer able to control crime in our city. Shortly thereafter, the city decided to revise its 5-year plan to address public safety, specifically to hire 10 new police officers for each of the next 5 years--a total of 50 police officers. This, apparently, is an admission that crime, in fact, was out of control in Santa Ana and predictions indicate that it will continue to get worse for at least the next 5 years.

Therefore, shouldn’t dogs be considered an integral part of the city crime-prevention effort? If dogs are involved in crime reduction in our city, why should their owners be subject to paying a license fee?

If enough dog owners agree and let their elected representatives know, in all fairness, the city should pay the owners a maintenance fee rather than charge the owners a license fee.

JIM TUCKER

Santa Ana