Key agencies enforcing animal welfare laws in NI
Enforcing animal welfare laws in Northern Ireland involves three key agencies, each with specific responsibilities:
- DAERA: Oversees farmed animals.
- Local Councils: Handle welfare concerns for companion animals.
- PSNI: Focuses on wildlife crimes, animal fighting, and welfare issues tied to other criminal activities.
Current Enforcement Statistics (2022):
| Agency | Complaints Received | Enforcement Actions | Convictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Councils | 6,690 | 637 | 20 |
| DAERA | 57 | 1 | 1 |
| PSNI | 2,844 | 189 | 12 |
Despite the volume of complaints, prosecution rates remain alarmingly low. For example, Local Councils operate with only 10 Animal Welfare Officers across 11 District Councils, limiting services to weekday working hours.
Key issues and recommendations
Local Councils
- Increase resources and staffing for animal welfare enforcement.
- Expand service availability beyond Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm.
- Improve communication with the public and charities regarding complaints and actions taken.
PSNI and Wildlife Crimes
- Badger baiting remains a major issue, with over 2,000 badgers killed annually and only three convictions since 2011.
- The Wildlife Crime Unit lacks dedicated investigative officers, relying instead on local officers, which hinders proactive enforcement.
- Recommendation: Establish a dedicated investigative team or task force to target organised wildlife crimes such as badger baiting.
Legislative Improvements
- Update the Welfare of Animals Act (2011) to strengthen enforcement powers and provide resources for timely and effective responses.
- Adopt the Five Domains Model as the framework for an updated Animal Welfare Act.
- Conduct an independent review of enforcement infrastructure for farmed animals, led by DAERA.
Collaboration and Resources
- Foster stronger partnerships between enforcement agencies and the USPCA, leveraging the expertise of the USPCA’s Special Investigations Unit.
- Enhance collaboration to ensure consistent, robust enforcement practices across all agencies.
What the USPCA is calling for
- Additional resources and staffing for Local Councils.
- Improved complaint handling and communication with the public.
- Collaborative partnerships with the USPCA to enhance enforcement.
- A thorough review of the Animal Welfare Act (2011) to address gaps in legislation and enforcement.
- Establishment of independent panels focused on farmed, wildlife, and companion animals.
Stronger enforcement and better collaboration are essential to protect Northern Ireland’s animals and ensure their welfare. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.
