Speaking from the bar

About this time of year, mild southern breezes seem to set everything and everyone in motion. Modes of transportation—bicycles, motorcycles, skateboards, etc., proliferate. Pets and toddlers you never knew your neighbors had promenade up and down the street. Wanderlust abounds. No doubt about it, spring has sprung!

With this in mind, today’s column touches on the legal aspects of three topics: pets, bicycles, and passports.

1. Do you have a dog or cat? If so, you may need a license for the critter.

As of July 1, 1986, dogs and cats are no longer required to be registered with the City of DeKalb. The City of Sycamore requires that dogs, but not cats be licensed. Rabies shots are necessary to obtain a license. The Sycamore license costs $5 if purchased between January 1 and March 15. After March 15, the fee is $15 unless the dog is new (in which case it is $5). The license may be procured at the city clerk’s office, 535 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore.

The DeKalb County Health Department requires that all dogs four months old or over receive a rabies vaccination at least yearly. Rabies shots are required whether or not you are required to have a license from a municipal government. Rabies vaccination certificates are available from your veterinarian at the time you have your pet vaccinated, and cost $6.50 for one year and $16.50 for three years. If your dog was vaccinated outside of DeKalb County, you are required to send or bring the vaccination certificate to the County Health Department, 2337 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, to receive a current tag. Cats are also subject to contracting rabies, especially if they are outdoor cats. Their vaccination is not required, however.

Dogs are not permitted to run at large within the city limits of DeKalb, and must be leashed or tied at all times except when confined within or on the premises of the owner or keeper.

2. With the onslaught of better weather, more bicycles will be taking to the road. If you reside in DeKalb, a license is required. It is free and is obtainable at the DeKalb Police Station, 200 South Fourth St. The owner must supply the make and model of the bicycle, as well as its serial number, wheel size and optional equipment.

Besides being required, registration is worthwhile because the information you provide can assist police recover the bike in the event it is lost or stolen. Bicycles licensed after January 1, 1985, need not be registered until July 1, 1990. However, if you purchase a new bicycle, the new bike needs to be registered.

Keep in mind that traffic laws, highways signs and traffic control signals apply to bicycles as well as automobiles and other vehicles. The municipal ordinances for DeKalb provide special rules for bicycle riding, including the requirement that bicycle riders shall ride single file, not abreast, except on bicycle paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. It is unlawful for persons to ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district, and where otherwise prohibited by signs posted by authority of the chief of police. It is also unlawful to use a bicycle to carry more persons at one time than the number of persons the bike is designed and equipped to carry.

3. How do you get a passport? Passports can be applied for at the DeKalb County Clerk’s Office in the DeKalb County Administration Building, 110 East Sycamore St., Sycamore. You must have the following: an old passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate from the county or state where you were born (a naturalized citizen must show naturalization papers); a driver’s license or a witness to your identity who has known you for at least two years; two identical passport photos, 2 by 2 inches, showing the applicant’s face and having been taken within six months of the date submitted. Studio photos are recommended because machine photos are often inadequate. Apply at least one month in advance to ensure your passport will be ready when you need it. The passport fee is $35 for 18 years and older and is renewable every 10 years. Under 18 years, the fee is $20. Passports for minors must be renewed after five years. There is also a $7 county service fee.

Anyone with ideas for a column is encouraged to submit them to The Northern Star or the Student’s Legal Assistance Office, Holmes Center, Lower Level.

Don Henderson

Lynn Henderson

Students Legal Assistance