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‘Significant step forward’ for animal welfare in Northern Ireland
It has be illegal in Northern Ireland to mutilate any animal for cosmetic reasons since 2011.

Assembly approves to progress a ban on mutilation.

A bill to increase animal welfare protections for pets in Northern Ireland has taken a significant step forward.

On Tuesday, 1 July, The Northern Ireland Assembly approved a Legislative Consent Motion, which will enable the UK’s Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill to extend to Northern Ireland. 

The Bill is currently progressing through Westminster, and will give DAERA the opportunity to introduce new rules restricting the import of dogs and cats that have been subject to mutilation — including de-clawing or ear cropping.

Welcoming the approval, DAERA minister Andrew Muir said: “I am committed to ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and creating a safe environment for all pets. I welcome this approval by the Assembly which marks a significant step forward in protecting companion animals from cruel and inhumane practices.”

It has be illegal in Northern Ireland to mutilate any animal for cosmetic reasons since 2011. However, it is not against the law to buy a cat or dog from another country where these practices are still allowed.

Minister Muir added: “No animal should be subjected to mutilations for aesthetic reasons. Ear cropping or tail docking are intensely painful procedures, carried out at a young age and deliver no health or welfare benefits.

“Gaining consent today provides my Department with the ability to close any remaining loopholes in our law and it sends a message that these inhumane practices have no place in our society."

Image (C) Shutterstock.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.