Vol. 503 No. 3
406 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received representations from the Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association in connection with the treatment of greyhounds under the Control of Dogs Act and the proposed increase in dog licence fees; and if he will withdraw the charge on greyhounds as requested in the submission. [10136/99]
I can confirm that representations have been made by the Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation in relation to the recent fee increases for dog licences.
The increase in licence fees arises from a specific provision of the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act, 1992, and came into force automatically on commencement of the Act. I do not propose any change to this position.
The fee increase will provide additional revenue for local authorities to enable them to put in place more effective dog control arrangements. Dog control problems related to greyhounds can be a significant part of the work of dog wardens, and it is reasonable to expect greyhound owners to contribute, through the licence fee, to the cost of the dog control service.
It is open to greyhound owners-breeders to purchase a general dog licence for an unspecified number of dogs and there are also special arrangements made in relation to greyhounds purchased for export and exported from the State within 30 days of the date of purchase.
