Peabody Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer Treasurer Stephanie Ax and Animal Control Officer Tammy Whiteside remind pet owners that the city will begin issuing tickets for untagged pets after March 1.

“The deadline for buying tags at the regular price was Jan. 29, the last business day of the month,” Ax said. “After that, a late fee was added for each pet.”

The charge to tag a dog or cat is $5 if they are neutered, $10 if they are not. Proof of current vaccination against rabies is also required to purchase a tag.

“The late fee adds $15 per animal,” she said.

On March 1, Whiteside will begin contacting pet owners who did not buy a 2010 pet tag. When cited, people will have to appear in municipal court, pay the necessary fines, plus court costs.

“It really is smarter for people to just buy the tag in January,” Ax said. “But even if they didn’t, paying the fee and the late charge before the end of the month will still be cheaper than adding court costs.”

For more information, contact the city building at (620) 983-2174.