AQW 10033/17-22
Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim
Tabled Date: 10/11/2020
Answered On Date: 04/02/2021
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail his plans (i) to strengthen the laws on animal welfare; and (ii) to improve the powers of animal welfare groups to rescue animals that are being abused.
Answer:
Animal welfare legislation Animals in Northern Ireland are protected by the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, this legislation sets out the robust powers available to my Department, Councils and the Police Service of Northern Ireland to take appropriate actions where any offences relating to animal welfare are committed. Penalties available to the courts here are among the most stringent in the United Kingdom. Other jurisdictions of the United Kingdom are currently increasing the penalties available to them, to bring them into line with those in Northern Ireland. However, to ensure that we continue to maintain our high levels of animal welfare in Northern Ireland, my officials continue to progress work across a number of areas. My Department is working at pace to bring forward legislation to introduce Finn’s Law to Northern Ireland, which will afford greater protections to service animals that have been injured in the course of their duty. In addition, my Officials are also liaising with the Department of Justice to explore the possibility of introducing an animal cruelty register. Powers of animal welfare groups to rescue animals The aforementioned 2011 Act is enforced by local Councils in terms of companion/pet animals. Councils work closely with animal welfare charities in addressing animal welfare concerns and any subsequent need for rehoming of animals. My Department is responsible for enforcing the Act in relation to farmed animals. A review of the implementation of the 2011 Act, which was published 2016, acknowledged that animal welfare organisations have a very important role to play in ensuring concerns about the welfare of particular animals were reported, and that official investigations are initiated when necessary. It also found, however, that there were risks to third parties become directly involved in investigatory work. The review therefore concluded that the powers to investigate potential animal welfare offences and, if necessary, seize animals should remain with the existing statutory bodies. I have therefore no plans to bring forward legislation to bestow powers to seize animals on animal welfare groups.
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