Northern Ireland animal welfare report launched
The report includes tougher sentencing for those convicted of animal cruelty.
Launched in Belfast yesterday (29 February) by the agriculture minister Michelle O’Neill and the Justice Minister David Ford, the Final Report of the Review of the Implementation of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 includes tougher sentencing for those convicted of animal cruelty.
Sending out a clear message about an ongoing drive to address animal welfare issues, the 68 recommendations include inspecting dog breeding establishments for how they socialise animals. It also addresses the need to work with animal charities on best practise for rehoming pets.
Seamus O’Kane, BVA Northern Ireland branch president said “We are very pleased with these recommendations and the way in which DARD and the Department of Justice have worked together so quickly to put these recommendations into practice.”
BVA Northern Ireland now urges judges to take the new report into consideration for any new cases. O’Kane said: “All vets in Northern Ireland are behind Minister Ford’s message this morning – ‘Crimes against vulnerable animals are abhorrent and will not be tolerated in our society’”
BVA president Sean Wensley commented: “These are strong recommendations matched by decisive action to make the necessary changes to ensure those who mistreat and abuse animals are punished effectively by the law.
“The government in Northern Ireland has made a clear statement about how animals should be valued and this is something that is to be warmly welcomed.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
