AQW 13682/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 21/06/2024
Answered On Date: 28/06/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to detail any plans she has to (i) strengthen legislation; and (ii) undertake a sentencing review, for perpetrators of animal cruelty.

Answer:

I do not have any plans to (i) strengthen legislation; nor (ii) undertake a sentencing review, for perpetrators of animal cruelty, as policy responsibility for the welfare of animals sits with DAERA.

Any decision to strengthen legislation or undertake a sentencing review for animal cruelty offences under the Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act 2011 is, therefore, a matter for DAERA.

However, I have confirmed that I am open to discussing with him how best my Department can support his, if a policy decision is made by his Department to strengthen legislation or undertake a sentencing review for animal welfare offences.