To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he will consider increasing the fine for individuals who do not license their dogs.

The penalty for keeping a dog without a licence is a fine of up to £1000 or a fixed penalty ranging from £50 - £80.

I consider the current fines for keeping a dog without a licence to be adequate and therefore have no plan to increase it.

I am planning, however, to meet shortly with key stakeholders, including local councils, to explore animal welfare priorities for my Department until the end of the mandate and I am open to considering any stakeholders views on this matter.