DAERA Minister has announced the
establishment of an expert advisory group to review Dog Breeding
Regulations in Northern Ireland.
The review is one of the key priorities within the Minister's
Animal Welfare Pathway and will also consider whether there is a
need to regulate canine fertility services. The objective
of the review is to assess whether the current legislation is
effective and to make recommendations for change, where evidence
indicates that such measures are necessary.
The Group will be chaired by Dr Gareth Arnott, a Reader in animal
behaviour and welfare within the School of Biological Sciences at
Queen's University Belfast. Dr Arnott will be assisted by Susan
Cunningham, a veterinary surgeon with over 35 years' experience
in companion animal practice in Northern Ireland and abroad and
Vanessa Barnes, legal advisor for the All-Party Parliamentary
Group on Animal Welfare.
Minister Muir said: “I welcome the establishment of this
new expert advisory group. The Members will bring an array of
knowledge, skills and experience, not only in matters relating to
companion animal welfare but also in governance, leadership and
decision making, which are essential in executing the role and
purpose of the group.
“Having listened to calls from animal welfare
stakeholders and members of the public, this review is one of my
key priorities which I outlined in my Animal Welfare
Pathway.
“In addition to establishing this expert advisory group,
I recently launched a public consultation on selling and
supplying puppies and kittens in Northern Ireland. This includes
prohibiting third party sales of puppies and kittens, as well as
introducing a requirement to be registered and meet certain
conditions. This consultation is open until 25 August and does
not include any proposals to amend requirements in relation to
breeding - the assessment of the current breeding regulations is
the focus of this new expert advisory group.”
Minister Muir concluded: “This group will have the
opportunity to shape the future of dog breeding in Northern
Ireland using their professional expertise to provide me with
recommendations, of which I will consider carefully before
deciding next steps. I am keen to address any deficiencies
identified, where practicable, before the end of the
mandate.”
The expert advisory group will engage with key stakeholders,
review best practices, consider both physical and behavioural
aspects of welfare associated with the breeding and may also
consider any relevant additional provisions necessary to improve
the welfare of breeding dogs and their offspring in Northern
Ireland.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Minister Muir is pictured with members of the
Expert Advisory Group who will review Dog Breeding Regulations in
Northern Ireland. Pictured with Minister L-R are Susan
Cunningham, Dr Gareth Arnott who will Chair the panel and Vanessa
Barnes.
- Members have been appointed following a recruitment
competition.
- Members of the Expert Advisory Group are not public
appointments. The Group have an advisory role and will not direct
any research expenditure or hold any statutory responsibilities.
- Appointments will be for six months and members will be
remunerated. Members are required to make themselves available
for approximately 1 day per week, for both research and meetings.
- A daily fee of £388 will be paid to the Chairperson and
Members will be paid a daily fee of £252 for attendance at each
Expert Advisory Group meeting.
- The Ministers Animal Welfare Pathway is located
at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/animal-welfare-pathway-advancing-animal-welfare-northern-ireland-2025-27
