Strengthening enforcement with a banned offender register

Currently, individuals banned by the courts from owning animals can easily acquire new pets without enforcement agencies being aware. A Banned Offender Register, similar to the Sex Offender Register, would allow enforcement agencies to share information and effectively prevent banned individuals from owning animals again.

Additionally, we believe the Animal Welfare Act (NI) 2011 must be strengthened. Current loopholes allow others in the same household as a banned individual to own animals, putting pets at continued risk. This gap must be closed to ensure robust protections.

Without a register, regular checks by Animal Welfare Officers and DAERA are crucial to ensure bans are enforced and provide public confidence that offenders are being monitored.

The USPCA calls for

  • A Banned Offenders Register: To prevent convicted offenders from reoffending.
  • Strengthened Legislation: Ensuring bans extend to the household of convicted offenders.
  • Proactive Monitoring: Quarterly checks by enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with bans.