A CASH jolt is looming for owners of kennels, catteries and other pet-holding premises in the Grimsby area.
North East Lincolnshire Council is poised to bump up licence fees for commercial operators - and, in some cases, to introduce them where they did not previously exist.
The proposed new price structure is as follows:
* Home boarding of dogs £374 (previously £100)
* Day care of dogs £356 (previously non-applicable)
* Animal boarding £400 (previously £120)
* Dog breeding £488 (previously £140)
* Hiring out horses £488 (previously £140)
* Sales of animals £391 (previously £120)
* Exhibiting or performing animals £374 (previously non-applicable)
* Application to review Star Rating £114 (previously non-applicable)
* Application to vary licence £123 (previously non-applicable)
The authority says the increases are necessary because of revisions to the 2006 Animal Welfare Act.
The risk is that some operators may choose not to register - a course of action that could lead to enforcement action and possibly an appearance in court.
On the plus side, the new licences, though more expensive, will, in most cases, cover three years rather than just one as at present.
Says NELC: "Income generated from the fees will be approximately £30,000, though the majority of this will cover a three-year year licensing period."
It has not stated whether the new regime will also apply to pigeon-fanciers or breeders of other birds, such as budgerigars or canaries, who exhibit their prize specimens at shows.
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