AQW 768/16-21

Mrs Naomi Long
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 07/06/2016
Answered On Date: 23/06/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what plans her Department has to strengthen the Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) 2013.

Answer:

My Department recently published the Final Report of the Review of the Implementation of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011. The Report was prepared following extensive engagement and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including animal welfare charities, animal rescue and re-homing organisations, and the public.

The Review considered the requirements for the licensing and inspection of dog breeding establishments, which are laid down in the Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (NI) 2013 (the 2013 Regulations).

Several of the Report’s recommendations will strengthen the legislation on dog breeding establishments, improve enforcement, and encourage good practice among dog breeders. For example, it requires the 2013 Regulations to be amended so Council Enforcement Officers will verify that written socialisation, enhancement and enrichment programmes are being effectively implemented in each establishment. This will provide reassurance that both adult dogs and pups in breeding establishments are receiving appropriate mental stimulation and physical exercise.

The 2013 Regulations will also be amended to implement the Report’s recommendation that the public are given access to sufficient information about licenced dog breeding establishments to allow them to make an informed decision about the legitimacy of a business when buying a pup. This will help buyers to avoid sourcing pups from unlicenced breeders.

My Department will also review the level of the licence fee for dog breeding establishments in the 2013 Regulations to take into account the need on occasion for multiple inspections of premises.