Agenda item

            The Committee agreed to adopt a response in respect of the above-mentioned exercise and agreed that it be forwarded to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs by the closing date of 30th June, on the proviso that amendments, if any, made by the Council at its meeting on 1st July be notified to DAERA. The response can be accessed here.

            Following a number of comments from a Member, the Committee agreed that the response be strengthened to emphasise that DAERA should remain as the lead agency – particularly in respect of data collection and rehoming duties – in animal welfare and that additional resources should be provided, should any additional duties fall under local councils as a result of the consultation and review. In addition, the Council would encourage DAERA to include mandatory behavioural welfare standards, socialisation requirements, record keeping standards and transparent reporting requirements to ensure consistency across the sector. The Committee endorsed further comments to strengthen the response regarding the need for a review of dog license fees, the promotion of the concept ‘responsible dog ownership’, breeder identification and issues regarding microchipping of owned pet cats.

            In addition, it was agreed that a letter be forwarded to the DAERA Minister inviting him to meet with Elected Members in respect of animal welfare issue in Belfast and to request that the Council be invited to partake in any evidence session relating to the consultation exercise.