British get emotional over dog licences

Press, 26 January 1988, Page 17

British get emotional over dog licences

By

TONY VERDON,

in London

A constitutional crisis is brewing in Britain — over the emotional issue of dog licences.

Peers in the House of Lords from al! political persuasions want to dramatically increase the present fee of just over SNZI, to around SNZ32. But they have been warned that such a move could promote “an acute constitutional crisis” because of the relationship between Britain’s two Parliamentary chambers, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The Government is trying to have the present dog licence abolished.

However, Peers in the House of Lords want the fee increased up to around SNZ32 to finance dog warden schemes, and to dissuade people from giving puppies as presents.

A former Labour Minister, Lord Houghton of Sowerby, has told them they are not within their rights to increase the fee by much as it would breach the financial privilege of the “other place,” namely the House of Commons.

He cited the 1911 Parliament Act, enacted as a temporary arrangement controlling the power of the House of Lords while Governments thought about its future.

which is still on the books.

Lord Houghton said the dog licence issue provided “a wonderful opportunity” to promote a constitutional crisis. The union of Communication Workers, which includes postmen, has been lobbying the House of Lords, saying the abolition of the dog licence will make it more difficult to determine ownership of miscreant animals.

The union reports a big rise in the number of attacks on posties, and has told the Peers: “Sadly, one in 20 postal delivery staff can now expect to be bitten by a dog in the course of their duties.” The Government says

that the present licence system brings in around SNZI.2 million, while costing almost SNZ9 million. However, Lord Mackie of Benshie said: “Here is a service to the public which would please both dog lovers, farmers and the postmen and can pay for itself. And yet the Government is going to do nothing about it.” "The Times” newspaper reported that no survey had been held to establish the number of dog owners in the Upper House, although it is thought to be high.

As one senior Peer, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It is just the sort of subject the Lords gets very excited about.”