Dog wardens check for licenses, shots

Dog wardens will canvass neighborhoods in Butler County in the weeks of April 6 and April 13 to ensure dog owners have current licenses and rabies vaccinations for their dogs.

Under Pennsylvania law, all dogs three months or older must be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year. The fee is $6.50 for each spayed or neutered dog and $8.50 for other dogs. Older adults and persons with disabilities may buy a license for $4.50 for spayed or neutered dogs and $6.50 for others.

Additionally, all dogs and nonferal cats three months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies. Booster vaccinations must be administered periodically to maintain lifelong immunity.

Violators can be cited with a maximum fine of $300 per violation plus court costs.

The state Department of Agriculture reminds dog owners that a license is one of the best ways to ensure a lost dog is returned home safely.

Licenses may be bought through county Treasurer Diane Marburger at the county courthouse or by calling 724-284-5149.

For information, visit www.licenseyourdogPA.com or call 717-787-3062.

Fireworks fans can win own display

WORTH TWP — If you like to shoot off fireworks, you may want to check out the PyroFest fireworks festival coming to Butler County on Memorial Day weekend

Organizers are giving firework lovers, enthusiasts and amateur fireworks choreographers a chance to compete with fellow fireworks fans to work with fireworks professionals and be the choreographer for the first night of the fireworks.

Billed as the country’s largest fireworks festival, PyroFest will come to Cooper’s Lake Campground on May 22-23.

Entries for “Fantasy in the Sky” will be accepted until April 12. So go to www.finalefireworks.com and sign up to participate, festival organizers announced Monday.

Once an entry form has been reviewed, PyroFest officials will send the instructions on how to submit simulations. The selected contestants will submit an 8-10 minute fireworks choreography simulation.

The winner will get to have Pyrotecnico produce the show live and be the opening PyroFest 2015 display; receive two tickets to PyroFest; and travel expenses and room and board for two.