AQW 7838/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 29/02/2024
Answered On Date: 20/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the process by which his Department will implement the ban on live animal exports.

Answer:

The Department has followed the progression of the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill throughout all its stages; however, this bill is not applicable in Northern Ireland.

The welfare of animals during transport is a devolved matter and due to differences in our legal framework we will not be seeking to extend this bill to Northern Ireland.

My department will, however, remain focussed on ensuring that exports of live animals, when they take place, adhere to all regulatory requirements and animal welfare protections.