City licensing - why it works, and doesn't

Great article in the Star today about dog licensing in Calgary:
http://www.thestar.com/article/223399

City licenses are unnecessary when most animals are microchipped and have rabies tags. People don't want to pay for licenses that are redundant. But if there are other services, like effective return of lost animals and humane housing and care for strays, then maybe... com'on City of Toronto, devise a program that works and they will license.

"I'd like to see less playgrounds and more doggie parks," said one observer. More dogs, less children? that's pretty sad... We need more dog parks AND more playgrounds.

Jul 29 addition - In fact, quite a lot has been written about the positive effects having old people and children together, and pets in general on health etc... so if anything, we should be advocating for fewer boundaries, more integration. Which isnt' to say that playgrounds should be running amok with dogs. My Shih Tzu loves, really loves to run around in the sand and dig... but that's not appropriate in a kids' zone so I keep her out of there.