Colin Crawford MLA welcomes Assembly motion to strengthen dog welfare protections in Northern Ireland

Ulster Unionist Party MLA for North Antrim, Colin Crawford With Dogs Trust representative outside Stormont Parliament Buildings, Belfast

Ulster Unionist Party MLA for North Antrim, Colin Crawford, has welcomed the successful passage of a significant motion in the Northern Ireland Assembly, which aims to overhaul animal welfare practices for dogs across the region.

The motion, introduced and championed by Mr Crawford, received cross-party support and calls for robust reforms to the way dogs are treated in council-run pounds and kennels. This includes introducing mandatory licensing, routine unannounced inspections, and ending the practice of euthanising healthy, rehomeable dogs after just five days in council care.

“The Assembly has taken a significant and compassionate step forward in standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves - our loyal and beloved companion animals,” Mr Crawford stated.

“The motion passed sends a clear and united message: Northern Ireland must do better for its dogs.”

Central to the motion is a demand for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to assume a more proactive leadership role. The motion urges DAERA to provide consistent guidance to councils currently responsible for enforcement, and to address what has been criticised as a postcode lottery in the treatment of animals.

“It is unacceptable that healthy, rehomeable dogs are being euthanised after just five days in pounds. That practice is not only inhumane - it is entirely avoidable,” Mr Crawford said. “In 2025, with the tools and resources available, no healthy animal should lose its life due to bureaucratic failure or systemic neglect.”

Ulster Unionist Party MLA for North Antrim, Colin Crawford, with Dogs Trust representative and party colleagues, outside Stormont Parliament Buildings, Belfast

The motion has drawn attention to growing public concern over inconsistencies in council-run animal facilities, with campaigners and charities frequently calling for greater transparency and accountability.

In his remarks, Mr Crawford highlighted the vital role played by local charities and volunteers, particularly Dogs Trust, in bridging the gap left by inadequate statutory provision.

“I want to pay particular tribute to Dogs Trust, and to all the charities across Northern Ireland that work beyond capacity to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs. Their compassion fills the gap where statutory provision has too often fallen short.”

The motion’s provisions also include a call to review council euthanasia policies, and to strengthen regulation surrounding breeding and kennel conditions—areas often criticised for lack of oversight.

“Licensing and inspection are not red tape - they are the minimum standards of transparency and decency,” said Mr Crawford. “We are calling on DAERA to show leadership, end the postcode lottery of enforcement, and bring forward a ‘no-euthanasia’ policy for healthy dogs.”

In closing, Mr Crawford issued a powerful message about the broader implications of the Assembly’s decision.

“This motion is about compassion, accountability, and the kind of society we want to be. Let Northern Ireland set the standard! Let today be the start of real and lasting reform for animal welfare.”

With widespread support from advocacy groups and political peers, the motion is expected to place mounting pressure on DAERA and local councils to implement tangible reforms in the months ahead.