Dog Canvass Planned for Lakehurst

Dog owners in Lakehurst who have not registered their furry friends should take note that the borough is set to conduct a canvass for the undocumented pets.

State law mandates that municipalities conduct such a sweep every year or every other year to identify dog owners who have not licensed their pet. Lakehurst last conducted such a canvass two years ago, according to Clerk Bernadette Dugan. 

Borough Department of Public Works employee Jason Emme "has expressed interest" in conducting the canvass and was appointed to complete the job for a fee of $500, according to a resolution approved last week by the Borough Council. 

Emme will be given a list of residents who have already registered their dog so that he will not visit those homes. During the canvass, Emme will be instructed to knock on doors throughout the borough. 

"For some reason, the dogs always give themselves away," Dugan said. 

"The names, addresses and information about the dogs is required to be reported to the municipal licensing clerk, local health department and New Jersey Department of Health," a document from that department reads.

"We also send these people reminders that they should get their dogs licensed," Dugan said. A dog owner who does not comply may be issued a summons and fined.

Licenses are required for all dogs ages six months and older and cost $8.20 for spayed or netuered dogs and $11.20 for non-spayed or non-neutered dogs, according to the borough's website.