Tucson Arizona - Pima County
Q - What action can/should I take? Will I simply pay a fine, or will I have a criminal conviction on my record?
I received a citation from an Animal Control Officer for failure to license my 3 dogs.
The officer visited due to a complaint for not providing adequate shelter. I have a dog-door in my kitchen, and my back yard is completely fenced (no gates); the dogs have complete access to the house and yard throughout the day. The officer said that one of my dogs was seen outside during the rain. I stated that I did not lock him out, and that he can enter/exit as he pleases, but is confined to the property.
She confirmed that all 3 dogs (17 year old male miniature poodle, 6 year old male border collie mix, 7 year old female border collie mix) are in good health, that the premises are clean, that they have adequate shelter/food/water.
She asked if I had licenses and noted she did not see them. I stated I did not have licenses and didn't know they were required, but that the dogs were all current on vaccinations/rabies shots.
She stated that failure to license dogs within city limits is a Class 2 Misdemeanor. She said that I need to have the dogs licensed (I'll need proof of rabies vaccination and spay/neutered confirmed by a vet), and that I'll have to appear at court with the proof of licenses.
Along with the citation is a form that states at the bottom "The time you have been given to correct the deficiencies found in this inspection is a COURTESY. Problems not corrected by the re-check date could result in criminal citations being issued to you. Please have the problems corrected by the designated date."
Will this court appearance require my declaring guilt/innocence/no contest? Will I have a criminal record? Does the second form mean that if I get the licenses and pay the fees, that's the end of it?
I know this is an insignificant matter, but I am actually fairly disturbed by it. A criminal record of any degree could impact my profession. I have never been accused/charged with any crime; I have never even been pulled over for speeding (much less gotten a ticket). When I looked-up "Class 2 Misdemeanor" I got results for DUI, prostitution, drugs, etc., and I'm shocked to think my failing to pay a few bucks for a dog license could carry the same criminal record. The dogs were never in danger, and never posed a threat to others.
I apologize for the length, but figured it best to put as much information up front.
Thanks for your consideration.
Q - What action can/should I take? Will I simply pay a fine, or will I have a criminal conviction on my record?
I received a citation from an Animal Control Officer for failure to license my 3 dogs.
The officer visited due to a complaint for not providing adequate shelter. I have a dog-door in my kitchen, and my back yard is completely fenced (no gates); the dogs have complete access to the house and yard throughout the day. The officer said that one of my dogs was seen outside during the rain. I stated that I did not lock him out, and that he can enter/exit as he pleases, but is confined to the property.
She confirmed that all 3 dogs (17 year old male miniature poodle, 6 year old male border collie mix, 7 year old female border collie mix) are in good health, that the premises are clean, that they have adequate shelter/food/water.
She asked if I had licenses and noted she did not see them. I stated I did not have licenses and didn't know they were required, but that the dogs were all current on vaccinations/rabies shots.
She stated that failure to license dogs within city limits is a Class 2 Misdemeanor. She said that I need to have the dogs licensed (I'll need proof of rabies vaccination and spay/neutered confirmed by a vet), and that I'll have to appear at court with the proof of licenses.
Along with the citation is a form that states at the bottom "The time you have been given to correct the deficiencies found in this inspection is a COURTESY. Problems not corrected by the re-check date could result in criminal citations being issued to you. Please have the problems corrected by the designated date."
Will this court appearance require my declaring guilt/innocence/no contest? Will I have a criminal record? Does the second form mean that if I get the licenses and pay the fees, that's the end of it?
I know this is an insignificant matter, but I am actually fairly disturbed by it. A criminal record of any degree could impact my profession. I have never been accused/charged with any crime; I have never even been pulled over for speeding (much less gotten a ticket). When I looked-up "Class 2 Misdemeanor" I got results for DUI, prostitution, drugs, etc., and I'm shocked to think my failing to pay a few bucks for a dog license could carry the same criminal record. The dogs were never in danger, and never posed a threat to others.
I apologize for the length, but figured it best to put as much information up front.
Thanks for your consideration.
