Swann: NI faces animal welfare crisis as veterinary medicine supplies under threat

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 rescue charity which raised concerns about the potentially devastating impact on pet owners and farmers alike.

According to the charity, Northern Ireland could lose access to more than 50% of veterinary medicines when the current post-Windsor Framework grace period expires in December — unless a new agreement is reached between the UK and the EU.

The organisation also reported receiving calls from distressed pet owners, some of whom have already been told that the treatments they depend on for their animals will no longer be available from 1 January 2026.

Mr Swann said:

“Local vets, farmers, animal charities and pet owners are already feeling the pressure and if the grace period ends without agreement there could be a huge impact on animal.

“I’ve been contacted by an animal rescue charity warning that some owners are now trying to source medicines online because they cannot afford rising veterinary costs. If those supplies are lost, many fear they’ll have no choice but to surrender their pets. That is a completely unacceptable situation.”

The South Antrim MP said he has urged both DEFRA and DAERA to act quickly to safeguard animal welfare and guarantee continued access to essential medicines.

The warning comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding post-Brexit trading arrangements for veterinary pharmaceuticals, with industry representatives repeatedly calling for long-term clarity to prevent supply disruption.

Mr Swann emphasised that the situation requires immediate government intervention, noting that “the welfare of animals, from pets to livestock, must not become collateral damage in wider political negotiations.”