Dog owners in St Martin’s make use of Saturday opening

All islanders need to pay £10 per dog for the annual licence, which are issued by the parish.

St Martin’s parish clerk Anita Leale said it was not always easy for people to pop into the constables’ office during its normal opening hours – between 10am and noon on weekdays. So five years ago the office started opening for some Saturdays during the period when the tax is to be paid. And the idea has flourished.

‘The first year we did one Saturday and there was not many people,’ Mrs Leale said.

‘But then as the years went by it has improved. We had 14 dogs owners in the first hour today. I’m really pleased with that.’

Last year just more than 500 dogs were taxed in the parish. Mrs Leale said there had been a rush at the start of the month with people getting their licences. Anyone who has not paid by the end of the month will be contacted.

Having access to the constables’ office is important for dog tax, as in St Martin’s owners can only pay by cheque or cash. However those not able to get in can send the cheque and a self-addressed envelope so the licence can be sent back.

There are optional yellow tags for dogs in all parishes, except Torteval, Vale and St Sampson’s.

. Another Saturday opening will held in St Martin’s on Saturday 26 January between 10am and noon.