AQW 22737/17-22
Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim
Tabled Date: 17/09/2021
Answered On Date: 06/10/2021
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure the welfare of animals at livestock auctions.
Answer:
The welfare of animals at livestock auctions or livestock markets is protected by provisions contained in the following legislation; The Welfare of Animals and Poultry at Markets Order (Northern Ireland) 1998 The Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 The Sales, Markets and Lairs Order (Northern Ireland) 1975 Market operators have specific responsibilities under The Sales, Markets and Lairs Order (Northern Ireland) 1975 to ensure the welfare of animals e.g. they must ensure unfit animals do not enter the market and, if they do, they must be cared for appropriately. My officers carry out inspections of cattle, sheep and pig markets on a risk basis. The frequency of inspection depends on the market’s level of compliance; some markets are inspected weekly and others every 2-3 months. During these market inspections, my officers examine the welfare of individual animals at the market, inspect the vehicles used to transport animals and inspect the market structure to ensure no injuries are caused to animals.
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