New responsibility of welfare of non-farmed animals under Welfare of Animals (NI) Act 2011 for District Councils

From the 2nd of April 2012, District Councils will have responsibility for enforcement of the powers in the Welfare of Animals (NI) Act 2011, in respect of non-farmed animals’ e.g. domestic pets of any vertebrate species and equines (horses and donkeys).

Local Councils have adopted a collaborative regional approach to the new legislation and have appointed five Animal Welfare Officers to enforce animal welfare in respect of non-farmed animals. The Officers will have statutory enforcement powers and can take a range of action to improve the welfare of non-farmed including, providing advice, issuing an improvement notice, taking animals in to their possession, and initiating prosecution action.

The five officers cover the whole of Northern Ireland working on a regional basis. If you need to report an animal welfare issue in the Fermanagh area during office hours Monday to Friday 9am-5pm you should contact 028 8225 6226. After 5pm Monday to Friday, at weekends and over holiday periods contact the out of hours number, 078 2499 4490.
 
Welfare complaints in respect of farmed animals (that is animals bred or kept for the production of food, wool or skin or other farming purposes) should be referred to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. During office hours Monday to Friday 9am-5pm telephone 0300 200 7840. At weekends contact a local Private Veterinary Practice or PSNI who will, as necessary, refer the welfare complaint to the relevant “on call” officer.

Welfare complaints in respect of wild animals or animal fighting should be referred to the local Police Station.

Details of the enforcement roles and contact points can be accessed on the link below:
www.dardni.gov.uk/welfareofanimalsenforcementroles.