Henry County Treasurer Scott Grindstaff is asking the Henry County Board of Supervisors to consider an amendment to the County Code which would allow for lifetime dog licenses.
Grindstaff made a proposal, during the Board’s regular meeting on Feb. 28, that the fee be set at $20 per lifetime license.
Revenue generated from the dog licenses goes towards animal control activities such as the salary and expenses of an animal control officer, maintenance of a public animal shelter and other efforts to promote rabies vaccinations.
Section 3.2-6521 of the Code of Virginia requires that a licensed veterinarian who administers rabies vaccinations must provide the owner with a certificate for each vaccinated animal. Section 3.2-6524 further states that it is unlawful for individuals in Virginia to own a dog that is four months or older unless such dog is licensed. No license may be issued for a dog unless “satisfactory evidence” has been presented to the treasurer or other licensing official demonstrating that the dog has been inoculated or vaccinated against rabies.
Grindstaff said that a switch to a lifetime license would reduce the workload on his staff and reduce the burden on citizens to continuously get a new license. He added that even without the annual license, dog owners would still be required to maintain a current rabies vaccination and provide proof to animal control whenever prompted.
A public hearing was scheduled for March 28 at 6 p.m., on the change to the ordinance.
In other matters, the Board:
- Approved a resolution recognizing Lt. Col. Steven Eanes for his more than 45 years of public service and congratulating him on his retirement.
- Approved an additional appropriation of $641,750 received from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the development and construction of Phase 6A of the Dick & Willie Passage.
- Approved an additional appropriation of $41,788 received from vehicle insurance settlements for repairs and maintenance of vehicles from both the Sheriff’s Office and the Adult Detention Center.
- Approved a resolution authorizing the Blue Ridge Airport Authority to administer and oversee a funding request to the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The funds will be used for improvements to Airport Road to provide better access to the Blue Ridge Regional Airport.
- Approved a resolution authorizing the count’s participation in the proposed settlement of opioid-related claims.
- Approved a resolution creating the Claude A. Cobler Outstanding Volunteer EMS Officer of the Year.
- Conducted a public hearing and approved a change in the County ordinance to move the Mountain Valley voting precinct from the Mountain Valley Leatherwood Club on North Fork Road to the Granberry United Methodist Church on Granberry Road.
- Held a joint meeting with the Henry County School Board to discuss the preparation of the fiscal year 2023-2024 school budget and total county budget.
- Reappointed Barry Helmstutler and Marshall Stowe to the Industrial Development Authority for four-year terms scheduled to end on March 31, 2027.
- Reappointed Scott Barker to the Dan River Alcohol Safety Action Program Board for a three-year term scheduled to end on March 31, 2026.
- Reaffirmed a deed with the Lester Group for a portion of land on the closed landfill behind the County Administration Building.