NEWS

Northern Ireland is being prevented from participating in the UK-wide rollout of a bovine tuberculosis (bTB) cattle vaccine due to a combination of EU regulations applied under the Windsor Framework and Northern Ireland’s own domestic legislation, South Antrim MP Robin Swann has warned. Mr Swann raised the issue directly with the UK Government, receiving confirmation that Northern Ireland cannot currently be included in the marketing authorisation for the vaccine. Responding

New dog control orders will come into effect across Antrim and Newtownabbey from 1 January, extending restrictions to include several of the borough’s most popular visitor attractions. At a meeting of the Operations Committee held at Antrim Civic Centre on Monday evening, councillors agreed that dogs must be kept on leads in the Platinum Jubilee Garden area of Antrim Castle Gardens , and in the Coronation Garden at Hazelbank Park, Newtownabbey. Dogs will also be required to r

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows, with his much-loved companions Cassie and Maggie. Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MLA Jon Burrows has voiced strong support for reforming Northern Ireland’s fireworks legislation, describing the current situation as “deeply distressing” for families, pet owners, and communities affected by irresponsible use. The North Antrim MLA, who is a well-known dog lover, said his own pet suffers panic attacks during fireworks seaso

A suspect case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been identified at a commercial poultry premises near Pomeroy, County Tyrone, prompting swift disease control measures by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The Department confirmed that the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher, took the decision to initiate control protocols following the emergence of concerning clinical signs and preliminary test re

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has issued a stark warning that Northern Ireland could face a serious animal welfare crisis unless urgent action is taken to secure the supply of vital veterinary medicines. The former Health Minister has written to both the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), urging them to make the issue a priority. His intervention follows contact from a local animal

A video showing a dog suffering a fatal anxiety-induced stroke during fireworks has prompted a Northern Ireland councillor to call for an urgent review of the Fireworks Law. Belfast Green Party Councillor Anthony Flynn has urged reform of the 23-year-old legislation governing fireworks in Northern Ireland, arguing that it fails to recognise the distress they cause to both animals and people. Fireworks can cause fear and panic in dogs due to their loud noises and flashing ligh

As Halloween approaches, Dogs Trust Ballymena is urging pet owners to keep their canine companions safe during what can be a spooky and stressful time for dogs. With over half of UK dogs reacting to knocks at the door or outdoor noises, Halloween festivities can easily overwhelm even the calmest pets. Costumes, sweets and constant doorbell rings can quickly turn the night from “spook-tacular” to stressful for our four-legged friends. Dogs Trust Ballymena is sharing simple ste

Max with new owner Molly Piper A landmark case involving a Dundonald dog identified as a Pit Bull type has cost Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) more than £53,000. The council this week released a detailed report following a court verdict earlier this month which confirmed that Max — the dog at the centre of the dispute — was a banned breed under UK law. The case has created what LCCC described as a “precedent” for councils across Northern Ireland, establishing tha

Dogs Trust Ballymena Rehoming Centre Dog lovers are in for a treat this spooky season as Dogs Trust Ballymena hosts a special ‘Howl-oween Experience Day’ on Saturday 25th October. The event, running from 10am to 12pm, offers visitors a rare behind-the-scenes look at life inside the charity’s rehoming centre — home to around 70 dogs currently being cared for by the Ballymena team and its dedicated volunteer foster carers. Tickets are free and can be booked via Eventbrite , but

A Glenavy man has been sentenced to five months in prison after being found guilty of breaching a court-ordered ban on keeping animals. James Steele (55), of Gobrana Road, Glenavy, Crumlin, appeared before Lisburn Court where he was handed a five-month custodial sentence and ordered to pay a £25 offender levy for one charge under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirmed that the case aro

Molly Piper with Max the dog A Dundonald dog that faced a court-ordered destruction ruling has been spared and is now settling into a new home in Antrim. ‘Max’ was ruled to be a Pit Bull-type banned breed by a Lisburn judge earlier this month, with only weeks to be rehomed or destroyed. Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) and animal welfare campaigners had been in dispute over the stray’s assessment for almost a year. Max was held in council kennels from December 2024

As autumn leaves begin to fall, Dogs Trust is urging owners to stay alert during walks — warning that conkers and acorns could make dogs...

Ulster Unionist Party MLA Jon Burrows, and Bailey the dog Bailey, the Cocker Spaniel at the centre of a high-profile animal welfare row,...

Max the dog A Dundonald stray dog has been judged to be a Pit Bull type, with a two-month destruction order now hanging over him. Max the...

Robin Swann MP with BVA new President Rob Williams at House of Commons event in February 2025. South Antrim MP Robin Swann has been...

Tom McKibbin and girlfriend Charlotte with their new puppy on adoption day at Dogs Trust Ballymena In a heartwarming tale of compassion...

Bailey the dog Bailey, a support dog kept inside HM Prison Magilligan, has been removed from the facility and placed in a temporary home...

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has raised concerns about the potential introduction of a kitten register, warning of...

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed changes to animal transport policy which will come...

The abandoned dog was found with a large tumour. An “abandoned” Lisburn dog weighed down by a huge tumour has caused shock in the...