To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) what plans he has to provide funding or assistance to charities and councils that relied on the former Dogs Trust neutering scheme for the neutering of surrendered or stray dogs; and (ii) for his assessment of the knock-on effects of the cessation of this scheme.

I am aware of the changes to the neutering scheme operated by Dogs Trust in Northern Ireland which follows similar changes made in the rest of the United Kingdom. I understand that the neutering voucher scheme in Northern Ireland has been re-focused to direct help to dogs in the rescue system. This re-focused scheme is being piloted for one year and reviewed by Dogs Trust.

The decision to change the scheme is a matter solely for Dogs Trust. My Department has no plans to provide funding or assistance to charities or councils for neutering dogs.