Vol. 531 No. 4
184 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will provide funding to local authorities for the provision of proper facilities to control and care for stray domestic animals in housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6213/01]
My responsibility regarding stray domesticated animals is solely in relation to the control of dogs.
Under the Control of Dogs Acts, county councils and county boroughs are responsible for operating dog control and licensing services. The legislation requires the local authorities to appoint dog wardens and to arrange for the provision of shelters for stray and unwanted dogs.
With effect from 1 February 1999, dog licence fees were increased from £5 to £10 in the case of an individual licence and from £100 to £200 in the case of a general licence. The proceeds from the sale of licences, less the commission charged by An Post, are available to local authorities to fund, or to assist in funding, their dog control services. It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the level of additional resources, if any, to be applied to these services.
