Act for Animals - Local Elections

District Councils are responsible for the regulation of dog breeding establishments. 

Through our investigation work, we have identified a wide range of animal welfare issues at breeding establishments. 

This calls into question the provision of minimum standards and whether the dogs and pups are being kept in conditions that meet the five freedoms as outlined in the Animal Welfare Act (2011) and in particular the minimum standards required by the 2013 Dog Breeding Establishments’ regulations with regard behaviour, socialisation, and enrichment.

The scale of operations at these establishments is cause for grave concern as we fear severe negligence of the very freedoms afforded to animals in legislation. In particular, the requirements to be able to display normal behaviour, to be socialised and have an enriched environment.

The annual inspection of breeding establishments is insufficient to assure that the current regulations are being complied with and should be augmented with an additional unannounced inspection each year.

Registered breeders may produce up to three litters every three years from each breeding bitch, and a total of six litters in their lifetime, however, this isn’t being monitored by the licensing authorities, leaving it open to abuse. Breeding records should be monitored as part of the inspection regime and matched to the number of pups sold to provide assurance that the breeding bitches are not being exploited and abused.

We are calling for additional ‘spot inspections.’ It is suggested that this could, at least in part, be financed through an increase in the breeding establishment license fees, which are very inexpensive. License fees for breeding establishments vary depending on the number of breeding bitches held and range from £150 for 10 or fewer bitches, and up to £350 for 200 bitches, with an additional £50 for every 100 bitches thereafter.  

Through our investigation work at the USPCA, we know more of than 30 unlicensed dog breeding enterprises operating across Northern Ireland. A number of others are known to be based in the Republic of Ireland. It is suspected that a number of these establishments are operating at a significant scale. These larger enterprises are often referred to as puppy farms.

These establishments have been located in seven district council areas. The vast majority

have been located in more rural areas within the following four council areas:

 

o Newry and Mourne

o Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon

o Mid Ulster

o Fermanagh and Omagh

 

However, illegal breeding has also been reported in urban locations, including within the Belfast City Council area.

It is likely that this activity regularly occurs across all council districts. Breeding occurs in a variety of buildings, including farms (both occupied and derelict), residential houses (often in sheds) and even in commercial premises.

Dogs used (in breeding) by unethical and unlicensed breeders are often kept in inadequate, confined, overcrowded and unhygienic conditions. In some instances, breeding bitches will not leave their cages to exercise, go to the toilet, socialise, or play. It is much less likely that appropriate steps are taken to ensure the breeding dogs and resulting pups receive necessary veterinary or general care. Appropriate and necessary vaccinations may not be given, leading to little or no parasite control. This often leads to long-term health and/or behavioural problems in breeding bitches and puppies born in these conditions.

There is a wide range of animal welfare issues particularly to dog breeding and puppy farming detailed in a report we published Puppy Dog Fortunes.  

There is an inconsistency of approach across councils to illegal breeding and at times an inadequate response. The USPCA is not aware of any prosecutions for illegal breeding which carry the potential penalty of a fine not exceeding £5,000 and/or, imprisonment for a period of up to six months. The USPCA experience is that illegal breeders may be asked to apply for a license.  

There should be zero tolerance of illegal breeding and all illegal breeders should be prosecuted under existing legislation.  

This is an opportunity for local councils to lead the way and take a more proactive approach to animal welfare, the introduction of unannounced spot checks at breeding establishments would help to identify and address the animal welfare issues that currently exist.

 

There have also been occasions when the USPCA believed dogs and pups should have been seized due to the poor conditions in which they were being housed but this view was not shared by the Council Officers stating there was no clear evidence of neglect or abuse. From experience, we are aware that even though pups may look healthy, this can change very quickly, with pups becoming very ill (with parvovirus or other diseases) within days. Our concern is that budget constraints are driving animal welfare decisions; with the costs associated with caring for seized dogs dissuading enforcement action except in extreme circumstances of neglect.  We would welcome more accountability and the opportunity to respectfully challenge such decisions and call upon local Councils to make a commitment to seek the views of the USPCA in cases that may be in breach of animal welfare standards and legislation.  

 

It is our experience that there is an inconsistent approach across Councils to illegal breeding and at times an inadequate response. Ultimately there has been a lack of consistency in the enforcement of animal welfare. 

 

Therefore, we are asking for you to make a commitment to ensure that a joint-up consistent and stringent approach is taken which results in great levels of enforcement and accountability across all local councils.   

When we consider enforcement more broadly across local Councils, the number of formal cautions and improvement notices issued is proportionally low to the number of complaints received (Animal Welfare Report 2021). In 2021, 5916 concerns were received across all councils of which 844 led to follow-up actions. Only 31 convictions were subsequently secured. These low figures do not align with the number of reports the USPCA has received from members of the public on animal cruelty also. Therefore, we are asking Political Parties to ensure that they commit to ensure a robust enforcement approach is taken by the appointed Animal Welfare Officers, sending out a strong message to help deter future animal cruelty cases.  

 

• Euthanized Animals

We have seen a dramatic drop in the number of unwanted and stray dogs euthanized by all Councils which is welcome. Euthanasia should only be a last resort. We call upon your Party to include a commitment to ensure there are the highest levels of accountability to ensure euthanasia only happens as a last resort. 

 

• Cannie Fertility Clinics 

We are aware of at least 11 Cannie Fertility Clinics operating across NI. These unlicensed and unregulated businesses are engineering dogs to be as aggressive to participate in dog fighting and badger baiting. Individuals with no veterinary qualifications perform procedures such as entering a body cavity during artificial insemination, taking blood from animals or advocating the unlicensed use of medicines. The British Veterinary Association has expressed concerns that the welfare of such dogs is not protected or respected. Provisions within the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 make it an offense to carry out procedures on animals that should only be carried out by a veterinary surgeon. The USPCA contends that such procedures are being carried out in Canine Fertility Clinics and enforcement action needs to be taken against them. In the absence of legislation and regulation of these premises, Local Councils in partnership with the PSNI and DEARA should make unannounced inspections to all known premises. Thus, sending out a clear message of zero tolerance against these procedures.  

 

• Banned Offenders Register

Since 2019, we have been calling for the establishment of a NI Register of Banned Animal Cruelty Offenders. As it stands offenders can be banned from Court one week and the following week acquires animals again. In the absence of such a register, it is vital that Animal Welfare Officers regularly visit those with a ban to provide assurance the bans are being complied with. 

We fully appreciate this has resource implications however, given 7407 home visits were made in 2022, in response to concerns raised, this would be a proactive approach. Therefore, we would ask your Political Party to make a commitment to pledge for unannounced visits to those with bans at least annually by Animal Welfare Officers to ensure bans are being adhered to and no further animals suffer at the hands of these individuals.

 

• Stronger collaboration with the USPCA

The USPCA is the second oldest animal welfare charity in the world. Our Special Investigations Unit is dedicated to carrying out investigations into organised animal cruelty, and serious welfare abuses that often take place well away from the public view. The team members bring a wealth of experience and expertise. They carry out research, gather evidence and analyze animal cruelty. The team takes a proactive and intelligence-led approach to identify, investigate and highlight animal cruelty.

We would welcome the opportunity to work more collaboratively with local Councils and feel there is a missed opportunity not to do so. Our partners in Scotland, England, Wales, and the South of Ireland work collaboratively with their local Councils. 

Therefore, we would ask for a commitment to ensure the USPCA and Local Councils develop stronger working relationships, including the ability to share information and intelligence which will ultimately lead to stronger approach to addressing animal welfare crimes and reducing the numbers of horrendous animal cruelty.  As it stands, we pass evidence and intelligence to local Councils and do not receive any updates back. The reason given is this would be a breach of GDPR. A data-sharing agreement would remove this obstacle. We would seek a commitment from your party to advocate for stronger working relations between the USPCA and local Councils.

 

• Fireworks

We want to see fireworks regulations changed to protect our pets, wildlife and farm animals. We are not calling for a ban, simply tighter regulations and consideration of others. 

An example is no fireworks being allowed near where horses are kept, sensitive wildlife areas, farms or zoos and bans at particular times of the year, including bird nesting season.