"Dog census" in the municipality of Bestwig: Now is still the chance to register later
The municipality of Bestwig will shortly be carrying out a dog census. From 2 June, employees of the commissioned company Springer Kommunale Dienste GmbH will visit all households in the municipal area to determine the number of dogs there. Dog owners whose four-legged friends are not registered with the municipality of Bestwig now have the opportunity to register them at short notice.
Background: Like almost all municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia, the municipality of Bestwig also levies a dog tax. It currently amounts to 75 euros per year for one dog; owners of two dogs pay 90 euros per dog per year; three or more four-legged friends are charged 105 euros per animal per year. Mayor Ralf Péus emphasises that the dog population survey is by no means intended to be a form of harassment of dog owners: "On the contrary, it should help to ensure that all citizens who keep dogs are treated equally in terms of taxation - that is a requirement of fairness. It is unacceptable that someone who - for whatever reason - does not adhere to the legally prescribed rules should benefit from this."
The commissioned company will determine the existing dog population through a survey. In order to be able to identify themselves, the employees of this company have a legitimisation with an official seal of the municipality of Bestwig, which is worn clearly visible on their clothing. The information from dog owners is provided on a voluntary basis; the employees of the authorised company will not enter homes as part of their duties.
The municipality of Bestwig asks for your understanding that all citizens will be questioned - including dog owners who have already duly registered their four-legged friends for years. Background: For reasons of data protection, the employees of Springer Kommunale Dienste GmbH do not have any information about dogs that have already been registered.
In the event that the inspectors discover unregistered four-legged friends, it can be expensive for their owners: Retroactive taxation is possible, as is a fine from the municipality of Bestwig, as those affected have not fulfilled their obligation to register. The municipality of Bestwig therefore appeals to all dog owners to take the precaution of checking whether their four-legged friend is properly registered.
If this is not the case, owners can - in order to avoid problems with registration - register their pets with the municipality of Bestwig at short notice without further consequences. Registration forms can be found on the homepage of the municipality of Bestwig at www.bestwig.de in the "Politics, Administration & Citizen Services" section under "Finance & Taxes" and "Dog Tax". Dogs can also be registered in person at the Citizens' Office in the Town Hall during normal opening hours or by appointment.