AQW 17465/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

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

Asked by John Blair MLA on 4 November 2024

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
4 November 2024
Answer due by
19 November 2024
Answered
11 November 20247 days after tabling
Department
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Priority question
No

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.

Official sources