Samantha Tincher, a fourth grade student at Risen Christ Lutheran School, is the proud owner of the Top Dog in Clark County for 2010. Raven, a stray pup, was given to Samantha by her grandmother, “so she could be mine,” Samantha wrote in her essay. Raven will wear the number one dog tag issued in Clark County.

Second place winner is Shyla Cordle, a fourth grade student at Lincoln Park Elementary School in Springfield, and third place winner is Zach Davis, a fourth grade student at Possum School in Springfield Township. Shyla’s dog Molly will wear top dog tag number two, while Angel will wear number three.

The annual top dog contest, available to all third, fourth and fifth grade students in Clark County, is held each year to stress the importance of dog licensing. “Our office will issue approximately 25,000 tags for 2010,” according to Clark County Auditor George Sodders.

The cost of licensing dogs in Clark County increases from $16 to $20 with the issuance of tags for 2010, according to Clark County Auditor George Sodders. The increase was approved by county commissioners earlier this year.

The county auditor’s office began mailing applications to dog owners on November 30th. The deadline for registration and licensing is February 1, 2010. After that, the cost of a tag doubles to $40. New dog owners must license their pet within 30 days of becoming the owner.

For a list of locations to purchase tags, go to the auditor’s web site at clarkcountyauditor.org or call 521-1862. The auditor’s office issued 24,152 tags for 2009 and collected over $346,824. The revenue is used to support the county’s humane society.