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Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe Depairtment o' Fairmin, Environment an' Kintra Matthers

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  • Closed consultation Consultation on Proposed Animal Welfare Policy Reforms in Northern Ireland

    Topics:
    • Animal Health, Welfare and Trade

    Consultation closed Consultation opened 5 May 2026, 12.00 pm and closed 30 June 2026, 11.59 pm

    Summary

    The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a public consultation on proposed reforms to animal welfare policy in Northern Ireland. The primary method for responses is online via Citizen Space.

    Documents

    • Consultation on Proposed Animal Welfare Policy Reforms in Northern Ireland Adobe PDF (974 KB)
    • Impact Assessments and Equality & Disability Screening for Regulation of Rescue and Rehoming Organisations Adobe PDF (946 KB)
    • Impact Assessments and Equality & Disability Screening for Inflationary Increase in Dog Licence Fees Adobe PDF (791 KB)
    • Impact Assessments and Equality & Disability Screening for Ban on Specific Aversive Training Devices Adobe PDF (893 KB)
    • Impact Assessments and Equality & Disability Screening for Strengthening Microchipping Requirements for Dogs Adobe PDF (898 KB)
    • Written Response Template Adobe PDF (264 KB)

    Help viewing documents

    Consultation description

    The consultation seeks views on proposed changes across four key policy areas:

    • the regulation of rescue and rehoming organisations;
    • an inflationary increase in dog licence fees;
    • a ban on specific aversive training devices; and
    • strengthened microchipping requirements for dogs.

    Additionally, the consultation includes a call for evidence on the mandatory microchipping of pet cats.

    The consultation is aimed at anyone with an interest in animal welfare, including stakeholders working within the animal welfare sector; local councils with responsibility for enforcement of companion animal welfare; members of the public; and any individuals or organisations involved in animal rescue and rehoming.

    Ways to respond

    Consultation closed — responses are no longer being accepted.

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