08/02/2024

DAERA Minister To Prioritise Animal Welfare Issues

New Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, has said that animal welfare issues will be among his top priorities.

The Minister was speaking during a visit to the offices of the USPCA in Newry where he met with staff and volunteers during which a range of animal health issues were discussed.
News Image
Minister Muir said: "I am delighted to visit USPCA in my first visit as minister as I want to be an advocate for animal welfare issues. It is something that I know that we can all agree on that improving animal welfare and stopping animal cruelty should be a priority for everyone.

"Working with stakeholders and partners across the piece we can find a way to modernise and bring animal welfare legislation here into line with other jurisdictions.

"Through adopting a collaborative approach I am convinced we have an opportunity to make a real difference and going forward I will continue to engage and listen carefully to help inform my decisions."


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 April 2023
NI Needs New Animal Welfare Legislation – Alliance
New legislation is needed to improve animal welfare and tackle animal cruelty in Northern Ireland, Alliance Party Animal Welfare Spokesperson Patrick Brown MLA has said.
05 March 2024
Ministers Discuss Development Of Football At All Levels In NI
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed UK Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, on an official visit to Northern Ireland. During his visit, the Ministers will discuss the development of football at all levels in NI.
07 November 2023
People Urged To 'Think Very Carefully' Before Gifting Pets This Christmas
As Christmas approaches, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has partnered with Northern Ireland animal welfare charity, the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) to appeal to the public to "think very carefully before choosing a pet as a present".
02 April 2024
Education Minister Welcomes Progress On Teacher's Pay
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has welcomed further progress on a pay settlement for teachers following the Department of Finance's approval of the pay award. All five recognised teachers' unions (INTO, NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, UTU) have signalled their acceptance of the teachers' pay offer for 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24.
28 March 2024
River Lagan Flood Protection Works Underway
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that flood protection refurbishment work on the River Lagan has got underway. The work costing £900k is being carried out by local building contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons who are replacing the gates at the Hilden and Lambeg river control structures on the River Lagan.