DAERA launches major animal welfare reform consultation in NI
- Love Ballymena
- 35 minutes ago
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Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir launches major animal welfare reform consultation for Northern Ireland
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has launched a major public consultation on new animal welfare reforms in Northern Ireland, including proposals to regulate rescue and rehoming organisations, tighten dog microchipping rules, ban certain training devices, and increase dog licence fees.
The consultation marks the next stage of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Animal Welfare Pathway 2025-27 and comes as the Assembly term enters its final year, with the Minister pledging to “maintain momentum” on reforms affecting pet owners, animal charities, breeders, councils and enforcement bodies across Northern Ireland.
The eight-week consultation opened today and will close at 11.59pm on 30 June 2026, with DAERA seeking public views on a range of measures aimed at strengthening protections for companion animals.
Wide-ranging reforms proposed
Among the key proposals now under consultation are:
• Regulation of the rescue and rehoming sector
• Banning specific aversive training devices
• Strengthening dog microchipping requirements
• Increasing dog licence fees in line with inflation
The reforms build on measures already introduced or progressing through the system under the Animal Welfare Pathway published in May 2025.
Previous reforms announced by DAERA include:
• New legislation aimed at tackling pet theft
• Mandatory CCTV in all slaughterhouse areas where animals are present
• An independent expert advisory group examining dog breeding regulation
• New rules governing the sale and supply of puppies and kittens
Some of those changes are already in force, while others remain in development ahead of implementation.
Minister says animal welfare remains a “key priority”
Launching the consultation, Minister Muir said the reforms reflect growing public concern around animal welfare standards and responsible ownership.
“The Animal Welfare Pathway is clear recognition that advancing and strengthening animal welfare is a key priority for me and my Department,” he said.
“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.”
The Minister also confirmed he intends to publish the full report and recommendations from the independent expert advisory group established to examine dog breeding regulation in Northern Ireland.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
Animal welfare charities welcome consultation
The consultation has been welcomed by the Northern Ireland Companion Animal Welfare Group (NICAWG), which represents eight animal welfare charities across Northern Ireland.
Laura Orr, Regional Public Affairs Officer at Dogs Trust and Chair of NICAWG, said the group had long campaigned for many of the proposed changes.
“NICAWG welcomes the consultation on a number of key issues that we have long advocated to reform,” she said.
“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.”
NICAWG was established in 2019 and includes Assisi Animal Sanctuary, Cats Protection, Causeway Coast Dog Rescue, Dogs Trust, Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary, Rosie’s Trust, PDSA and USPCA.
The group works collectively to improve welfare standards for companion animals across Northern Ireland.
Consultation open until end of June
Minister Muir urged members of the public, councils, charities and organisations involved in animal welfare to take part in the consultation process.
“I would strongly encourage everyone with an interest in animal welfare to take part in this consultation,” he said.
“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.”
Following the consultation period, DAERA will review all responses received before deciding on the next steps and publishing a summary of findings and proposed actions.
The consultation closes at 11.59pm on 30 June 2026.
Full consultation details and response information can be found here:
Further information on the Animal Welfare Pathway 2025-27 is available here:
The consultation is expected to shape future animal welfare legislation and enforcement measures affecting pet owners, breeders, rescue organisations and councils throughout Northern Ireland.
