Owners of stray dogs will be charged for their return if Tynwald gives its approval to the measure this month.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) is seeking Tynwald’s clearance to impose the charge under the Fees and Duties Act 1989.
DEFA staff collect stray dogs during the daytime, Monday to Friday, with the Manx SPCA providing the service on behalf of the Department up to 8pm on weekdays and on Saturday mornings.
It costs between £100 and £140 for a dog to be picked up, kennelled, cared for and returned home.
However, owners are only charged £12 per day for their dog’s food and care, plus any vets’ fees.
It’s proposed that from April, an additional £10 charge will be levied to offset the cost of seizing a stray. If a dog strays again within a year, a charge of £25 will apply.
The charge will apply irrespective of whether the animal requires kennelling.
Plans to charge for the return of strays were first flagged up by DEFA last June. Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, mentioned plans for the charge in his Budget speech last month.
‘This is another step towards encouraging responsible dog ownership and deterring irresponsible owners from failing to provide the proper care and control of their animals,’ said the Minister.
The public should ring 686688 to report stray dogs.
