Expert advisory group to review Dog Breeding Regulations in Northern Ireland appointed
Date published:
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced the establishment of an expert advisory group to review Dog Breeding Regulations in Northern Ireland.
The review is one of the key priorities within the Minister's Animal Welfare Pathway and will also consider whether there is a need to regulate canine fertility services. The objective of the review is to assess whether the current legislation is effective and to make recommendations for change, where evidence indicates that such measures are necessary.
The Group will be chaired by Dr Gareth Arnott, a Reader in animal behaviour and welfare within the School of Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast. Dr Arnott will be assisted by Susan Cunningham, a veterinary surgeon with over 35 years' experience in companion animal practice in Northern Ireland and abroad and Vanessa Barnes, legal advisor for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Animal Welfare.
Minister Muir said: "I welcome the establishment of this new expert advisory group. The Members will bring an array of knowledge, skills and experience, not only in matters relating to companion animal welfare but also in governance, leadership and decision making, which are essential in executing the role and purpose of the group.
"Having listened to calls from animal welfare stakeholders and members of the public, this review is one of my key priorities which I outlined in my Animal Welfare Pathway.
"In addition to establishing this expert advisory group, I recently launched a public consultation on selling and supplying puppies and kittens in Northern Ireland. This includes prohibiting third party sales of puppies and kittens, as well as introducing a requirement to be registered and meet certain conditions. This consultation is open until 25 August and does not include any proposals to amend requirements in relation to breeding - the assessment of the current breeding regulations is the focus of this new expert advisory group."
Minister Muir concluded: "This group will have the opportunity to shape the future of dog breeding in Northern Ireland using their professional expertise to provide me with recommendations, of which I will consider carefully before deciding next steps. I am keen to address any deficiencies identified, where practicable, before the end of the mandate."
The expert advisory group will engage with key stakeholders, review best practices, consider both physical and behavioural aspects of welfare associated with the breeding and may also consider any relevant additional provisions necessary to improve the welfare of breeding dogs and their offspring in Northern Ireland.
