The Third Annual Arlington Animal Essay Contest starts September 8. The contest is open to public and private school students in grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 who reside within the city limits of Arlington. The entry deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26.

The annual contest inspires students to write essays about topics related to responsible pet ownership. Last year, 852 essays were submitted.

The top three winners in each grade level will receive U.S. Savings Bonds. First place winners will receive $500, second place winners will receive $350 and third place winners will receive $150. Winners will also be recognized at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, during the Regular Meeting of the Arlington City Council.

Essay topics were developed around educational programs presented by the Public Education Division of the Office of Communication and the Animal Services Division of the Department of Neighborhood Services. Submitted essays must not be more than 500 words. Essays will be judged on the elements of effective writing and must be written on the topic assigned by grade level:

• Grade 3: How do you know when you are ready for a pet?
• Grade 4: What can you do to keep your pet from getting lost?
• Grade 5: Why should you avoid animals you don’t know?
• Grade 6: What is required to be a responsible pet owner?

Mail entries to: Office of Communication, Attn: Animal Essay Contest, Mail Stop 01-0370, P.O. Box 90231, Arlington, Texas 76004-3231. Entries may also be hand-delivered to the Water Customer Service Desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 101 W. Abram St. or to the Water Utilities South Service Center at 1100 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd. For more information about the contest, contact Public Education Specialist Bill Boykin at 817-459-6411 or visit on the Animal Essay Contest page.