New NI Animal Welfare powers
The Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill (pictured) has confirmed that the authority to appoint designated inspectors under the auspices of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 has taken effect as of April 2nd 2012. Codes of Practices for Cats, Dogs, Rabbits, Horses and non-human Primates have also been created under the authority of the Act and they can be accessed here.
Commenting, the Minister said “These new powers will provide both councils and my department with the authority to appoint Animal Welfare Inspectors under this Act. They will also allow inspectors to issue an improvement notice where a person responsible for an animal is failing to provide for the animal’s needs. These new provisions make it an offence for a lay person to carry out a prohibited procedure on a protected animal, that is any procedure which interferes with the sensitive tissues or bone structure of the animal. They enact powers for my department’s inspectors to inspect farm premises in order to check compliance with welfare regulations made under this Act. They also, for the first time, provide powers for Councils to prosecute offences under the Act.”
“I have been very encouraged by the positive approach taken by councils to their new responsibilities and by the close and effective partnership working between councils and departmental officials in putting the necessary arrangements in place for implementing these new powers in respect of both domestic pets and horses...This Act will transform animal welfare across the north. I look forward to seeing its full implementation and delivery on the ground.” the Minister added.
An expanded explanation of the enforcement roles and contact points is available here
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
