AQO 3562/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 07/05/2026
Answered On Date: 19/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline any proposals he is planning to progress in order to improve animal welfare in animal rescue and rehoming organisations.

Answer:

My Department is consulting on a proposal that a licence will be required for any organisation that rehomes more than five animals within a 12-month period; or at a given time cares for eight or more animals, or five or more dogs.

A licence would be awarded by the corresponding district council, following an inspection process. Under the proposal, councils would be responsible for setting license fees, publishing a register of licenced rescue and rehoming organisations and enforcement of these requirements.

The consultation will close on 30 June 2026, and I would ask all interested parties and key stakeholders to respond. Following careful analysis of the responses I will be able to determine next steps. Any changes will, of course, require close collaboration and engagement with local councils.