DOG TAX TAG

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Animal control has always been a problem for local law enforcement. Whether it be feral cats, stray dogs, or wild animals roaming the city, there have been various solutions instituted through the years.

One hundred years ago the City of Albion charged a "dog tax" for every dog in town, and owners had to purchase a brass tag as proof, which hung from the dog’s collar.

The City Dog Warden was Alfred Tuchtenhagen (1894-1971)(brother of the jeweler), and he reported that in June, 1915, 99 dogs had been taxed during that month. He also reported that the sum of $198 had been taken in so far during that calendar year.

What happened if you did not pay the dog tax? The answer was provided in a report that Warden Tuchtenhagen submitted to the City that month. In it he stated, "Twenty-five dogs have been killed because the owners refused to pay the tax." Imagine executing that type of penalty today.

From our Historical notebook this week we present a photograph of the 1915 "Dog Tax" tag for the City of Albion. In later years, they were replaced by tags issued by Calhoun County.

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