18.This section applies where the owner of a horse disputes the amount the local authority claims they are liable to pay to them under section 4(1) or 5(4); or the amount payable to the owner by the local authority under section 5(5).
19.The owner of the horse may, within 7 days of receiving a notice under section 4(3) or 5(7), refer the dispute to the Welsh Ministers for resolution. The owner must give, in that notice to the Welsh Ministers, a statement of the reasons for disputing the amount claimed. The Welsh Ministers must forward any such notice to the local authority concerned and they may require that local authority to provide them with any information which they consider may assist them in resolving the dispute. The local authority concerned may also make representation to the Welsh Ministers within 7 days of receiving notice from the Welsh Ministers, of the referral by the owner.
20.The Welsh Ministers must resolve the dispute as soon as is reasonably practicable in all the circumstances.
21.If the dispute is in relation to section 4(1), the local authority may not dispose of the horse until the dispute is resolved.