The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) will increase the annual licence fees for the ownership of unsterilised dogs from $70 to $90 from Feb. 1.
This is to encourage the sterilisation of dogs and prevent unwanted breeding, which may contribute to abandonment and public safety issues.
The licensing fees for sterilised dogs, on the other hand, will be increased from $14 to $15.
Fees for fourth and subsequent dogs, whether they are sterilised or not, will increase from $175 to $180.