Debate contribution: Review of Local Councils’ Animal Welfare Policies

Debate contribution by Mr Tom Buchanan on 6 May 2025.

MLA

Mr Tom Buchanan

Party at the time

Democratic 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 4929805

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I support the motion. A dog is known as a man's best friend, and, therefore, the welfare of such lies close to the heart of many. Dogs are not just pets; for many, they are members of the family. Therefore, there is a collective responsibility on all of us in the House to ensure that they are treated properly and protected from those who would neglect them or cause them harm. I commend the incredible work of the Dogs Trust and the many other rehoming organisations that work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need. On many occasions, those organisations do so under financial constraints. Their dedication and compassion are truly inspiring, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Despite the best efforts of those organisations, DAERA's lack of support and oversight in relation to councils' enforcement of animal welfare legislation is of grave concern. Indeed, it is alarming to note that, while laws are in place to protect the welfare of dogs in Northern Ireland, the implementation and enforcement of those laws are often inconsistent and inadequate. I note that the amendment from the Alliance Party completely excludes councils from their role in enforcement. While the proposer of the amendment said that the amendment strengthened the motion, I take a different view: the amendment weakens the motion, because it leaves out councils completely. The euthanisation of healthy dogs after just five days, if they are not reclaimed or rehomed, is not only heart-wrenching but, surely, raises questions about our values as a society. Can we really justify taking the life of a healthy dog simply because it has not been reclaimed within a certain time frame? That policy is nothing short of appalling, to say the least. The Dogs Trust has been a vocal advocate of change to legislation to ensure that all animal welfare establishments, including dog pounds, are licensed and subject to regular unannounced inspections. Only then can we be confident that all dogs in such establishments are being held in safe and humane conditions and that their welfare is being protected. When it comes to dog pounds and kennelling policies, a standardised approach across all council areas must be a priority for the Minister and his Department. I think that the Minister will agree that the current system is fragmented and that it is unacceptable that dogs in different parts of Northern Ireland are subjected to different standards of care. It is, therefore, the Minister's responsibility to urgently address the issue by reviewing councils' dog pound and kennelling policies, including the euthanising of healthy dogs, and bringing forward a standardised approach that prioritises the welfare of those animals. Minister, I look forward to action rather than words, when we can be assured that we have created a future where all dogs in Northern Ireland are valued, protected and loved. Let us, in the House, set a standard for others around the globe to follow.

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

Assessment

Not flagged

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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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