AQW 11879/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, pursuant to AQW 10274/22-27, (i) how he is liaising with local councils in relation to animal welfare updates; and (ii) how his Department assesses whether animal welfare delivery in local council areas adheres to the legislation set by his Department.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 14 May 2024
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 14 May 2024
- Answer due by
- 30 May 2024
- Answered
- 22 May 20248 days after tabling
- Priority question
- No
Answer
My department has regular engagement with local councils, and this facilitates a continuous dialogue on animal welfare related matters.
The Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 enables local councils to appoint individuals to enforce this legislation, as it relates to non-farmed animals. My department has no remit to dictate how councils fulfil this requirement and to do so would undermine their legal and operational authority.