ELY - Ely's newest animal control ordinance allows residents the option of regular dog tags or identifying implanted microships, provided their pooch doesn't wind up at the pound.
The revised ordinance was passed Thursday by the Ely City Council on a 3-2 vote.
It replaces a previous law passed in December that mandated microchip implants for all dogs.
Opponents launched a petition drive in February and gathered enough signatures to put the matter before voters on the September primary ballot.
The latest law aimed to appease critics by allowing dog owners the option of a traditional dog collar and tag.
But there is a catch.
The first time a dog is impounded, it must be implanted at owner expense before it is released - even if it has a current tag license.
In a concession to critics, people who adopt dogs from the pound will be allowed to choose the type of licensing, tag or implant.
Under the old law, adopted dogs were to be implanted at taxpayer expense.
The law left intact mandatory implanting of so-called dangerous dogs.
The council will now review the city's resolution setting dog license fees and fines.
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