Motion

Motion TitleReview of Local Councils’ Animal Welfare Policies

Motion TextThat this Assembly believes in the highest standard of welfare for dogs in Northern Ireland; commends the work of the Dogs Trust and many other rehoming organisations and charities; expresses concern at the lack of support and oversight from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs regarding enforcement of animal welfare legislation by local councils; is alarmed at the policy of euthanising healthy dogs after just five days if they are not reclaimed; supports the Dogs Trust’s calls for legislation to ensure that all animal welfare establishments, including dog pounds, are licensed and have regular unannounced inspections; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to review local councils' dog pound and kennelling policies, including the euthanising of healthy dogs and bringing forward a standardised approach across all councils.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office08/04/2025

Date Selected By Committee08/04/2025

Date of Plenary Debate06/05/2025