As some of you know, Ludo and I are law breakers. Nothing serious but we tend to skirt a few animal control laws. The big one? Ludo is unlicensed. It was a personal decision and I know it was the right one. We have also avoided getting his rabies shots, although Ludo is fully up to date with all other vaccinations.

When I first adopted Ludo, I considered getting him licensed, as required by state law. After thinking about it, however, I opted not to license him as, for the same cost, I could have him microchipped. Microchipping actually provides a service should my dog be lost, as opposed to hoping that he doesn’t lose his collar (as Ludo is apt to do) and gets turned into a shelter near where I am. Also, microchipping was a one time cost of $40 as opposed to $35 a year.

Later, when Ludo turned six months, I discussed with his vet whether or not we should vaccinate him for rabies. After reviewing some literature about the pros and cons, we decided that Ludo was not at risk enough to warrant possible complications of the rabies vaccine. Watch this video that explains some of the possible side effects of the rabies vaccine.

Mind you, we don’t really know how many dogs suffer from these dangerous, and sometimes deadly, effects since reporting is not mandatory.

That brings us to today when I read this article on KVAL, one of our local news stations. The quick summary of this article is that animal control agents are going to be going door to door in Eugene and unincorporated areas of Lane County to find unlicensed dogs. Not only is this a ridiculous waste of department resources, it is dangerous and a gross violation of privacy. I assure you if any animal control agent knocked on my door, they would never get a glimpse at Ludo, nor would they fine me the $242 they are planning on fining unlicensed dogs.