Council concern over rising dog licence fees

A NUMBER of Ballymoney councillors have expressed concern over the increase in dog licence fees.

During a recent Health and Environmental Services Committee meeting Cllr Ian Stevenson and Cllr Robert Halliday both highlighted that the new changes to Dog Control Legislation could be 'counter-productive'.

The issue was raised after members voted to adopt the proposed consultation which amends the Dog Order (NI) 1983 and aims to 'enhance the system of dog licensing, make micro-chipping of dogs compulsory and make it an offence to allow a dog to attack another dog.

The report explained: "The Department of Agriculture issued the Dog Control Legislation consultation paper on the 23rd November 2009. The purpose of the consultation is to seek views on proposals for changes to the legislation governing dogs and dog control issues within Northern Ireland.

"The proposals would amend the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 to enhance the system of dog licensing, make micro-chipping of dogs compulsory and make it an offence to allow a dog to attack another dog. The proposals would also increase the cost of a dog licence, with concessions for older people and neutered dogs, and increase fines and penalties for certain offences. Comments on the consultation are invited by 1st February 2010. The full consultation document and proposed response were circulated.

"It is recommended that Ballymoney Borough Council adopt the proposed consultation reply as circulated."

At the meeting the Director thanked his Deputy for his considerable input in formulating the draft response which had been agreed by Northern Group colleagues and took members through the latest version of the proposed response.

He responded to questions from members in relation to the benefits of the proposed changes to the legislation and the need to increase licence fees, referring to the stance taken by Council when consulted on the issue of fees some years back.

In response Cllr Stevenson and Cllr Halliday expressed their concern that to increase fees to the level proposed in the consultation response might in fact be counter-productive.

However despite concerns, it was proposed by Cllr Malachy McCamphill, seconded by Alderman Cecil Cousley that Council adopt the proposed consultation response, as circulated.

And as there was no other proposal a vote was taken on the motion with two for, two against and two abstained. The Chair, Cllr Evelyne Robinson used her casting vote in favour of the motion. The motion was declared carried.

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