(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.