Part IVMiscellaneous and General

Miscellaneous

38Abolition of duty on dog licences

1

The duty charged under the [1959 c. 55.] Dog Licences Act 1959 on licences for dogs is hereby abolished.

2

In section 1 of the [1933 c. 17.] Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) Act 1933 (disqualification for keeping a dog of any person convicted of cruelty to dogs), at the end there shall be inserted the following subsection—

5

For the purposes of this section a person shall be presumed, until the contrary is shown, to keep a dog—

a

if it is found or seen in that person’s custody, charge or possession, or in his house or premises;

b

in the case of hounds, if he is their owner or master.

3

In section 1 of the [1934 c. 25.] Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934 (disqualification for keeping a dog of any person convicted of cruelty to dogs), at the end there shall be inserted the following subsection—

5

For the purposes of this section a person shall be presumed, until the contrary is shown, to keep a dog—

a

if it is found or seen in that person’s custody, charge or possession, or in his house or premises;

b

in the case of hounds, if he is their owner or master.

4

This section shall come into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.