Competition to Appoint Expert Members to Advisory Group on Regulation of Dog Breeding in Northern Ireland

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced the launch of a recruitment competition for the appointment of a Chairperson and two members for a new Expert Advisory Group to review the regulation of dog breeding in Northern Ireland.

As part of this, the group will also be required to consider regulation of canine fertility clinics. Members will be appointed for a six-month period to carry out the review and produce a report with recommendations on the way forward.

Minister Muir said: "Since coming into office I have consistently outlined my commitment to improving animal welfare. As part of my forthcoming Animal Welfare Pathway, I wish to see actions to ensure that dog breeding practices in Northern Ireland reflects best practice and are enforced by robust legislation. 

“I am therefore pleased to open the application process for a Chair and two members to a new Expert Advisory Group to undertake a full review of dog breeding regulations here, in addition to assessing recommendations on the issue of canine fertility clinics.

“This is an important opportunity for interested parties to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of dog breeding here and make sure our legislation is effective, promoting the highest standards of animal welfare and can be benchmarked against the best international standards.”

The Group will help utilise their expertise to produce recommendations regarding the regulation of dog breeding and help further support the Department's commitment to improving animal welfare.

More information about this competition, full details of the roles, eligibility criteria and the application process can be found at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/recruitment-competition-appoint-expert-members-advisory-group-regulation-dog-breeding or email dogbreedingreview@daera-ni.gov.uk

Completed applications must be received by 10am on 19 May 2025.

Notes to editors:

1. Members of the Expert Advisory Group are not public appointments. The Group will have a purely advisory role and will not direct any research expenditure or hold any statutory responsibilities.
2. Appointments will be for six months and members will be remunerated.
3. Successful candidates must hold either a professional veterinary or academic qualification in an animal welfare field and have experience of working on animal welfare committees or advisory groups.