GHENT–The town wants to know how many dogs are living within town limits, and officials will begin counting on May 1, 2012. The Town of Ghent has not held a dog census since 2000 and the Town Board has authorized the new dog census.

The months of March and April will serve as an amnesty period for any town resident, full- or part-time, to get a license without paying the penalty of an unlicensed dog fee of $10.

All dog owners are required to license the animal at four months of age or older and provide current rabies information and spay or neuter verification.

Current fees for unspayed or unneutered dogs are $14; spayed or neutered dogs are $7. The town offers a discounted fee to owners 62 years of age and older.

On May 1 Dog Control offficer Wendy Shufelt will begin visiting every residence in the town. Owners of unlicensed dogs found during these visits will pay an additional unlicensed dog fee of $10.

The Ghent town clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday evenings 5 to 8 p.m. at 2306 state Route 66. For more information call 518 392-4644.