To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, pursuant to AQW 11879/22-27, to detail the oversight his Department has, and invokes, in relation to local councils’ implementation of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

The implementation and enforcement of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, as it pertains to non-farmed animals, is the statutory responsibility of councils. Therefore, my Department does not oversee activity on the ground or direct how councils choose to meet these statutory obligations.

Any concerns about the council delivered animal welfare service should be raised directly with the relevant organisation so that remedial action can be taken, if necessary.