§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many dog licences were purchased in Northern Ireland in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984; and what is the latest figure for 1985.
§ Dr. BoysonThe available information is as follows:—
Number of licences purchased Number of dogs licensed 1 April 1980 to 31 March 1981 36,971 50,776 1 April 1981 to 31 March 1982 32,867 45,259 1 April 1982 to 31 March 1983 35,230 48,686 1 April 1983 to 18 December 1983 24,892 33,936 19 December 1985 to 31 December 1984 84,137 *86,673 1 January 1985 to 30 September 1985 60,383 *62,619 * Licences issued since 19 December 1983 include block licences which are available in certain circumstances to people who keep three or more dogs is not known, but for statistical purposes is estimated at the minimum o three per block licence.
§ Mr: Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many dogs have been destroyed in Northern Ireland since 1 January 1985;
(2) how many dogs were destroyed in Northern Ireland during each of the years 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984.
§ Dr. BoysonThe available information is as follows:
Year Number of dogs humanely destroyed 1980 Not available 1981 9,580 1982 10,510 1983 11,100 1984 12,228 1 January to 30 June 1985 1,836 by USPCA 1 January to 30 September 1985 7,403 by district councils Up to 18 December 1983 the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals dealt with stray dogs as 788W agents of the Northern Ireland police authority; from 19 December 1983 responsibilitity has rested with district councils under the terms of the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983.
The figures include not only stray dogs but also dogs which were either unwanted or which had to be put down by reason of infirmity of disease. Homes are found for about 25 per cent. of the stray and unwanted dogs dealt with by the USPCA and district councils.
§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the cost of collecting the dog licence in Northern Ireland.
§ Dr. BoysonThe information requested is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.