Debate contribution: Review of Local Councils’ Animal Welfare Policies

Debate contribution by Mr Colin Crawford on 6 May 2025.

MLA: Mr Colin Crawford
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 6 May 2025
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Review of Local Councils’ Animal Welfare Policies
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 4929786

Text

I beg to move
Thank you, Principal Deputy Speaker. I propose this important motion on behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party. It is a crucial and compassionate motion, which advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves: our loyal companions. The motion is not merely about animal welfare. It is about who we are as a society and how we treat the most vulnerable amongst us. Our call to action begins with the articulation of our unwavering belief in the highest standard of welfare for dogs in Northern Ireland. That belief is not aspirational; it is achievable. It is our duty to ensure that every dog, regardless of circumstance, is treated with dignity and care. These animals are not merely property; they are sentient beings that rely on humans for their care and protection, yet, too often, they are failed by weak enforcement, inconsistent policies and, tragically, unnecessary euthanasia. I take this opportunity to commend the tremendous work of organisations such as the Dogs Trust, representatives of which are in the Public Gallery today, and countless other rehoming charities across the Province. These groups operate with dedication, embodying compassion and commitment, and often fill gaps that are left by statutory authorities. There is no doubt that, over the past few years, those charities and organisations have been working at over full capacity. They work tirelessly, often with limited resources, to ensure that abandoned and stray dogs are given a second chance at life. However, as we commend, so too must we express our concern. There is an undeniable gap in support and oversight from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs that undermines the enforcement of crucial animal welfare legislation by local councils. That gap places an undue burden on councils and their officers, which often results in inconsistent standards of enforcement across different regions. The current system is fragmented, under-resourced and inconsistently applied. Councils are tasked with enforcing the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, yet many lack the expertise, funding or political will to do so effectively. DAERA must step up and provide clear guidance, adequate resources and proper scrutiny to ensure compliance. Currently, dog pounds have various options available to them if a dog is not reclaimed after a five-day period in their care. They can sell the animal to the public, rehome it either themselves or in conjunction with a rehoming organisation or, in extenuating circumstances, keep the dog until the owner is identified or until it can be reunited with its owner. However, another extremely alarming option is the current policy that allows for the euthanising of healthy dogs after a mere five days if not reclaimed. That is both worrying and unacceptable. That is not enough time for owners to be located, for rescuers to intervene or for the animals to be given a second chance. What makes it even worse is that some stray animals that come into a pound need more than five days to recover before being rehomed. Each life is precious, and to end one prematurely is an abdication of our moral responsibility. That is not just inefficient; it is inhumane. In 2025, with advances in microchipping, social media and rescue networks, there is no excuse for such a callous approach. Other regions have extended holding periods and prioritise rehoming. Why are we lagging behind? Chance of a Lifetime, a scheme run by the Dogs Trust, transports dogs in Northern Ireland pounds that would usually be euthanised to Dogs Trust rehoming centres in Great Britain to enable them to be rehomed there. Northern Ireland is typically overpopulated with dogs and has too many strays to handle alone. That scheme gives healthy dogs a second chance at life. In Northern Ireland, there is currently no specific licensing or regulation of pounds or kenneling facilities, and they are not required to be inspected by local councils or external agencies. How do we know whether the five freedoms are being met? We want dog pounds and kennel facilities to deliver the highest standards of welfare for animals in their, albeit temporary, care and to endeavour to meet their full range of needs, including freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from fear and distress, freedom from physical discomfort, freedom from pain and freedom to express natural behaviour by providing them with sufficient space. We are all aware that the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a puppy boom, yet there are next to no regulations on breeding, and there are inconsistencies in how breeding licences are issued and how councils inspect breeding establishments. Issuing breeding licences should be faced with complete scrutiny in order to ensure that we do not continue to add pressure on to rehoming organisations. There are also questions around how some of those breeding establishments treat their animals. The lack of unannounced inspections leaves many concerning questions. Furthermore, when breeders are unable to sell puppies, they are often abandoned and left for animal charities to rehome, adding to the burden that is already placed on them. Therefore, we echo the Dogs Trust's call for a comprehensive legislation review that mandates all animal welfare establishments, including dog pounds, to be licensed and subject to regular, unannounced inspections. That is not an invasive measure but a necessary step towards ensuring transparency, accountability and, above all, the well-being of the animals in those facilities. We call on the AERA Minister to review current council dog pound and kennelling policies. Such a review should prioritise humane practices, focusing particularly on the distressing practice of euthanising healthy dogs. We want the Minister to bring forward a "no euthanasia" policy for healthy and rehomable dogs across all facilities. That approach should be standardised across all councils, which would offer a baseline standard of operation that will be essential in the delivery of the highest standards of animal welfare and will allow for consistency in delivering for animals. It is also critical to acknowledge that the licensing and inspection process that we are advocating for is about fostering a culture of concern and accountability. Regular and unannounced inspections will serve to reassure the public and reaffirm our commitment to animal welfare. Let us set a precedent today for Northern Ireland and beyond that we are determined to protect those in our care and to ensure that they live in environments that are safe, healthy and nurturing. Let that be our legacy.

1,064 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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