Fees for dog licences7

1

On the issue of a dog licence, the person to whom the licence is issued must pay the appropriate fee.

2

Paragraph (1) does not apply to—

a

a licence issued to a person over the age of 65 in respect of the first or only dog kept by that person;

b

a licence issued to any prescribed person or in any prescribed circumstances.

3

The appropriate fee is £5 in the case of—

a

a licence issued to a person over the age of 65, other than a licence falling within paragraph (2)(a);

b

a licence issued to a person in receipt of an income-related benefit (within the meaning of the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act (Northern Ireland) 1992 (c. 8)) at the time of the application for the licence;

c

a licence issued in respect of a sterilised dog.

4

In any other case the appropriate fee is £12.50.

5

Paragraphs (2) and (3) do not apply in the case of a licence issued in respect of a dog to which Article 25A applies (and accordingly in the case of such a licence the appropriate fee is that mentioned in paragraph (4)).

6

The Department may by order made with the consent of the Department of Finance and Personnel amend a sum for the time being specified in paragraph (3) or (4).

7

An order under paragraph (6) shall not be made unless the Department has consulted such organisations as appear to the Department to be representative of interests substantially affected by the order.

8

Where within 30 days from the date of the issue of a dog licence—

a

the holder of the licence does not take possession of a dog, or

b

the holder takes possession of a dog but subsequently disposes of the dog, or

c

the dog dies,

the holder of the licence may apply to the district council by which the licence was issued for a refund of the sum paid on the issue of the licence.

9

An application for a refund under paragraph (8) shall be in the prescribed form.