Animal Welfare Legislation
Agriculture And Rural Development
Northern Ireland Assembly debates, 12 October 2009, 3:15 pm
Michelle Gildernew (Sinn Féin)
A new animal welfare Bill is one of my key ministerial priorities. I intend, subject to Executive approval, to progress an animal welfare Bill through to introduction in the Assembly by June 2010, and to enactment during the lifetime of the current Assembly. A new animal welfare Bill will seek to address the gap between the legislative protection that is provided to farmed and non-farmed animals and to strengthen existing welfare provisions generally. The legislation will aim to ensure that protection for animals is at least equal to that in Britain and will reflect on lessons that have been learnt since its animal welfare legislation came into force. Where possible, the new Bill will also endeavour to take on board legislative developments in the South.
The new legislation’s overall purpose will be to protect all sentient animals from cruelty and unnecessary suffering. It will also set out the obligations for people who have animals in their care, including domestic pets for which they are responsible.
I thank the Minister for her answer. Given the nature of Executive business these days, and given that we are now well into October, will she give a reassurance that her Department will have produced a Bill by June of next year that has Executive approval, and that that piece of legislation will be passed by May of the following year? If that has been a priority for the Minister’s Department, will she give guarantees, in so far as she can, around the Executive timetable and the Assembly timetable?
Michelle Gildernew (Sinn Féin)
The Member knows that the only two certainties in life are death and taxes. Although I cannot give such guarantees, I put on record my appreciation of the very proactive work that the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has undertaken with me on animal welfare legislation and dog control legislation. We recognise and accept that the work is hugely ambitious. It will take a great deal of effort to get down to the nitty-gritty, but I have no doubt that the public expect us to introduce legislation, which we can do if we work collectively. I will deal with the issue of Executive approval when the time comes.
John McCallister (UUP)
I thank the Minister for her reply. I agree that the public expected the legislation to be introduced some time ago. Does she envisage any proposed role for the USPCA or other welfare organisations under the new legislation?
Michelle Gildernew (Sinn Féin)
At this stage, there is no intention to change the USPCA’s role under the Bill.
The USPCA is an independent charity and nothing in the Bill will change that. However, the Department will continue to work closely with the USPCA on welfare issues.
Pat Doherty (Sinn Féin)
Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for her answer. Will the Bill increase the penalties?
Michelle Gildernew (Sinn Féin)
Subject to Executive approval, the Department intends to address the maximum level of penalties. Under the current legislation, a person convicted of cruelty to animals under the Welfare of Animals Act 1972 is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of £5,000 and/or three months imprisonment. The Bill will set out new maximum penalties for cruelty offences, including imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or a fine of up to £20,000, or both.
Those penalties would apply to offences that involve the causing of unnecessary suffering, animal mutilation, administration of poisons and offences in respect of animal fighting. The Bill will include post-conviction penalties such as deprivation of and disqualification from the right to keep animals; destruction of animals, if appropriate; cancellation of existing licences; and the forfeiture of equipment.