AQW 13682/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Justice
To ask the Minister of Justice to detail any plans she has to (i) strengthen legislation; and (ii) undertake a sentencing review, for perpetrators of animal cruelty.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 21 June 2024
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 21 June 2024
- Answer due by
- 8 July 2024
- Answered
- 28 June 20247 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Justice
- Priority question
- No
Answer
I do not have any plans to (i) strengthen legislation; nor (ii) undertake a sentencing review, for perpetrators of animal cruelty, as policy responsibility for the welfare of animals sits with DAERA.
Any decision to strengthen legislation or undertake a sentencing review for animal cruelty offences under the Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act 2011 is, therefore, a matter for DAERA.
However, I have confirmed that I am open to discussing with him how best my Department can support his, if a policy decision is made by his Department to strengthen legislation or undertake a sentencing review for animal welfare offences.