AQW 17465/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 04/11/2024
Answered On Date: 11/11/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he will consider increasing the cost for a dog licence.

Answer:

At this juncture, I have not made a decision to review dog licence fees, but should I do so, any progress will be subject to the resources I have available and the time remaining in this current mandate. I acknowledge that the fee has remained at the same level since it was amended in 2011, and any proposal to review dog licence fees here will involve close engagement with local councils.

I am planning to meet shortly with key stakeholders, including local councils, to explore animal welfare priorities for my Department until the end of the mandate. These discussions will include the possibility of increasing the dog licence fee.