Dog licences

Fees
4
1
For Article 7 of the Dogs Order substitute—

Fees for dog licences
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 ”.