AQW 10116/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 11/11/2020
Answered On Date: 23/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the introduction of a register of animal welfare offenders in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

I remain open to the possibility of creating a register of those convicted of animal welfare offences. The creation of such a register, however, raises complex issues regarding data protection, human rights and costs. As conviction data is strictly controlled and managed by the Department of Justice, my officials continue to explore these issues with officials in that Department and, following this, I intend to write to the Minister of Justice to seek her views on the matter.