4—(1) For Article 7 of the Dogs Order substitute—
7—(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.”.
(2) In Article 8(4) of the Dogs Order (fee for block licence) for “£12.50” substitute “ £32 ”.