Whakatane District dog registration and control fees are to be kept at their current level for the next year.

Funds held in the Whakatāne District Council's dog control reserve account will be used to cover a forecast deficit in funding, in turn meaning no change for dog fees.

Under the Dog Control Act 1996, the Council must set and advertise its dog control and registration fees next month, ahead of the start of the financial year which commences on July 1.

In a meeting last week, deliberations were made on possible changes to the 2016/17 Annual Plan.

Council elected members heard that the dog control activity expenditure was likely to exceed revenue while a shortfall of $20,000 was anticipated for 2016/17.

A recommendation to keep all dog-related fees and charges at their current level, with any deficit to be met from reserve funds is what councillors approved. As a result from this, if paid before July 31, registration fees will be held at $60 for entires and $50 for de-sexed dogs. Payments after that date will be $90 and $75 respectively.

Impounding fees will remain at $60 for first impounding, $90 for a second impounding and $120 for a third impounding.

If initiated by the owner, transponder implant fees will be $15, and $24.50 for impounded dogs.