Debate contribution: Review of Local Councils’ Animal Welfare Policies

Debate contribution by Mr John Blair on 6 May 2025.

MLA

Mr John Blair

Party at the time

Alliance 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 4929798

Read the official Assembly record

Text

Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to the Ulster Unionist Party Members to my right for bringing this crucial issue to the Chamber today. The motion rightly highlights the invaluable contributions of organisations such as Dogs Trust and numerous rehoming charities that play a central role in safeguarding the welfare of animals in Northern Ireland. The Alliance amendment does not seek to overlook the dedication and unwavering passion of those organisations and their many volunteers. Those individuals invest their time and energy wisely and tirelessly in order to find loving homes for animals, to rehabilitate those that have suffered and to advocate for improved policies. Their commitment is nothing short of extraordinary. Through their hard work, many animals that would otherwise face uncertain futures are given a second chance to be loved and cared for. Our amendment aims to recognise the ongoing efforts of the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to address the objectives that are outlined in the motion. Specifically, the amendment highlights the Minister's commitment, which is already in place, to exploring the need for inspecting and licensing rescue and rehoming organisations and bringing forward relevant legislation thereafter.

At this stage in the mandate, it is evident that the Minister is devoted to fulfilling his undertaking to prioritise the enhancement of animal welfare. For instance, he has pledged to introduce Lucy's law or something close to it in Northern Ireland, effectively banning third-party sales of puppies and kittens and prohibiting the use of shock collars as training devices. Members will have received much correspondence on that issue, and I, like others, have met people who are keen to see those matters develop and evolve. Moreover, I eagerly anticipate more information regarding the Minister's forthcoming animal welfare pathway. As part of that pathway, he recently announced a new expert advisory group on dog breeding standards that will implement actions to ensure that dog breeding practices in Northern Ireland align with best practice and are enforced through strong legislation. The advisory group will also review recommendations concerning canine fertility clinics, a pressing issue that requires urgent attention in Northern Ireland. By collectively championing the strategic initiatives proposed by the Minister, we can drive significant change that will enhance the welfare of animals throughout the region. While we celebrate the progress that we have made, we must also recognise that considerable work still lies ahead, especially in our councils. It is essential that animal welfare becomes a top priority across all levels of government in Northern Ireland. However, I stress — it must be made clear — that the legislation is clear: responsibility for non-farmed animals ultimately rests with district councils. The Department acknowledges that it has no legal authority to intervene and remains focused on farmed animals. That is where we are. Additionally, the Department regularly engages with councils to ensure, as far as possible, a joined-up approach. Our collective aim should be to collaborate, with the Department's support, on developing a standardised approach across all councils. That will not only foster consistency in our animal welfare policies but, hopefully, prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of animals. Although the percentage of stray dogs being euthanised has remained below 5% for several years, we must do everything that we can to ensure that such outcomes do not occur at all. That low figure of 5% is another example of the excellent work done by animal rescue charities and dedicated animal welfare volunteers. The all-party group on animal welfare, which I chair, continues its vital work to strengthen collaboration among the Department, councils, stakeholders and the public, thereby improving our unified approach to animal welfare. That group remains crucial in raising awareness not just in the Assembly but outside it of animal welfare issues, including those under discussion today, and in championing legislative change that safeguards our beloved companion animals. Alliance supports the essence of the motion but believes that our amendment strengthens it by acknowledging the Minister's commitments, which he has already expressed, regarding the regulation of rescue and rehoming organisations. It also urges the Minister to uphold his prior pledges to improve animal welfare across Northern Ireland by bringing forward his animal welfare pathway. It is important that we use the current and developing frameworks, some of which were recently announced by the Minister, to do that. Therefore, the amendment is consistent with resource efficiency as well as with working collaboratively for best outcomes. It is essential that, in the 21st century, our councils, inspired by the work of dedicated charities and volunteers, are better equipped to uphold the welfare of our animals. This represents a long-term commitment to creating a more compassionate society, and I strongly urge Members to support our amendment.

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

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 12:26 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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