Debate contribution: Register of Animal Welfare Offenders

Debate contribution by Ms Claire Sugden on 22 October 2024.

MLA

Ms Claire Sugden

Party at the time

Independent

Date

22 October 2024

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Register of Animal Welfare Offenders

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4608494

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I support the motion to establish a register of animal welfare offenders. We must strengthen our efforts to protect animals and prevent repeat offences. If people are capable of that behaviour once, they are capable of it again. It would be remiss of us not to use that information to protect animals, particularly when animal welfare issues are increasing and becoming more sinister. Animal welfare is not an isolated issue but a reflection of the health values and humanity of our society; it is deeply embedded in the wider societal challenges that we face. Earlier this month, I sponsored an important animal welfare conference in the Long Gallery, hosted by Causeway Coast Dog Rescue, which brought together key stakeholders from across these islands, including Dogs Trust and Battersea Dogs' Home. A key theme was the link between animal abuse and human violence. It is well documented that those who harm animals are more likely to commit violent acts against people. By recognising that cruelty link, we can help our wider community. That underscores the fact that improving animal welfare is not just about animals but about creating safer and more compassionate communities for everyone. The issue is not new to the House. I recall responding to a similar debate when I was Minister of Justice eight years ago, so it remains an active concern for Members, the public and advocacy groups. I expect that most Members in the House, including the Minister, are supportive of a register. However, as has been mentioned, there are challenges with its implementation, including the legal framework, public accessibility and cooperation across all the relevant agencies. I recall responding with similar concerns when I was Minister, but we need to work through those challenges because the issue persists. Perhaps it is helpful that the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs are from the same party: the cooperation might between the two Departments might be better than it previously was. For the register to work effectively, we need to underpin it with a solid legal framework. There is enforcement through the Welfare of Animals Act 2011, but that remains fragmented. A centralised register with clear legal backing would streamline enforcement and ensure that bans on offenders are not just theoretical but enforceable. A register of that kind will not only act as a deterrent but ensure that convicted offenders are prevented from owning or acquiring new animals. Currently, the enforcement of bans on offenders keeping animals is inconsistent. A register would close that gap by providing a centralised, accessible resource. It would enable rehoming centres, pet sellers and law enforcement to easily verify whether an individual was prohibited from keeping animals. That transparency is crucial to building public trust and ensuring that those who report abuse feel that their concerns are taken seriously. Finally, as other Members and I mentioned, cooperation is key to underpinning such a register across all agencies, including the Department, councils and the PSNI, and essential for the success of such an initiative. The fragmented nature of the current system has led to inconsistent enforcement and confusion about roles and responsibilities. As MLAs, we all receive reports of animal welfare issues in our constituencies where there has been no follow-up. People feel that nothing was done, and councils say that they do not have the enforcement powers. That in itself warrants a review of current animal welfare legislation. We need to focus our efforts on the perpetrators so that they will not be allowed to keep animals again. It makes no sense that we have that information yet allow that to happen. In a way, that puts the responsibility back on to us as Members.

619 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:28 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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