Public consultation on next phase of animal welfare reforms
The consultation seeks views on a number of policy proposals to enhance animal welfare
A public consultation on the next phase of proposals to further enhance and protect animal welfare in Northern Ireland.
The consultation seeks views on a number of policy proposals to enhance animal welfare, including regulation of the rescue and rehoming sector, banning specific aversive training devices, strengthening microchipping requirements for dogs and inflationary increase to dog licence fees. These build on the progress which has already been made on the Animal Welfare Pathway, which was published in May 2025.
Reforms taken forward include new legislation to tackle pet theft, agreement to make CCTV mandatory in all areas of slaughterhouses where animals are present, the appointment of an independent expert advisory group to examine the regulation of dog breeding, and the introduction of new rules on the sale and supply of puppies and kittens. Some of these measures are already in place, while others are progressing towards implementation.
Minister Muir said: “The Animal Welfare Pathway is clear recognition that advancing and strengthening animal welfare is a key priority for me and my Department. I have already announced a number of important reforms where change was clearly needed including next steps for the introduction of Lucys Law and forthcoming legislation to mandate CCTV in abattoirs.
“I also intend to soon publish the full report and recommendations from the independent expert advisory group established to examine the regulation of dog breeding in Northern Ireland.”
Minister Muir continued: “As this Assembly term enters its final year, I am determined to maintain momentum with the Department now seeking views on the remaining elements of the Pathway. I am acutely aware that many of the proposals I am bringing forward cannot be delivered by my Department alone.
“Close collaboration with local councils and other delivery partners is essential.”
Laura Orr, Regional Public Affairs Officer at Dogs Trust and Chair of Northern Ireland Companion Animal Welfare Group (NICAWG) said: “NICAWG welcomes the consultation on a number of key issues that we have long advocated to reform. We look forward to contributing and hope the process will lead to robust but proportionate legislative change, making Northern Ireland a better place for companion animal welfare.”
The Minister concluded: “I would strongly encourage everyone with an interest in animal welfare to take part in this consultation. By working together, and despite the constraints and complexities we face, we can take meaningful and proactive steps to further enhance and protect the welfare of animals in Northern Ireland.”
The consultation is now open and will run for eight weeks, closing at 23.59 on 30 June 2026. Full details, including to respond can be found at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-05/Consultation%20on%20Proposed%20Animal%20Welfare%20Policy%20Reforms.pdf
Following the consultation exercise, DAERA will consider all the responses and feedback received and, subject to Ministerial consideration, publish a summary of these and the way forward.
