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As residential development decreases habitat, our forest and field friends wander into areas that get them into trouble.

According to the county animal control 2006 annual report, each year more wildlife are seen in human populated areas.

Animal control officer and supervisor, Julie Whitley, submitted the report to county commissioners at a Jan. 24 meeting. Other information provided shows an increase in dog licenses with 2,277 sold in 2006, compared to 1,578 in 2005.

Most people would like the county to reinstitute the mailing of reminders for purchasing dog licenses, Whitley said.

The euthanasia rate has continued to decline, Whitley reported. In 2006 it was at 332 animals, down from 384 in 2005, 394 in 2004 and 449 in 2003. The decline may be because of the push to spay or neuter pets by animal control and the Humane Society. Also, state law requires all animals adopted from a shelter to be spayed or neutered.

The Boyne City shelter offers low cost spay, neuter and vaccinations monthly