The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, has opened a public consultation regarding the next stage of proposals intended to strengthen animal welfare protections across Northern Ireland.

This consultation invites feedback on several key policy areas, such as the regulation of the animal rescue and rehoming sector, the prohibition of specific aversive training tools, and more stringent microchipping rules for dogs. Additionally, the proposals include an inflationary adjustment to dog licensing fees. These measures represent the latest phase of the Animal Welfare Pathway, which was originally introduced in May 2025.

Significant progress has already been recorded under the Pathway, including new laws to combat pet theft and a mandate for CCTV in all slaughterhouse areas where animals are handled. Furthermore, an independent expert advisory group has been tasked with reviewing dog breeding regulations, and new requirements for the sale of kittens and puppies have been introduced.

Minister Muir commented on the launch: "The Animal Welfare Pathway is clear recognition that advancing and strengthening animal welfare is a key priority for me and my Department. I have already announced a number of important reforms where change was clearly needed including next steps for the introduction of Lucys Law and forthcoming legislation to mandate CCTV in abattoirs. I also intend to soon publish the full report and recommendations from the independent expert advisory group established to examine the regulation of dog breeding in Northern Ireland." He further added: "As this Assembly term enters its final year, I am determined to maintain momentum with the Department now seeking views on the remaining elements of the Pathway. I am acutely aware that many of the proposals I am bringing forward cannot be delivered by my Department alone. Close collaboration with local councils and other delivery partners is essential."

Laura Orr, Regional Public Affairs Officer at Dogs Trust and Chair of the Northern Ireland Companion Animal Welfare Group (NICAWG), welcomed the announcement: "NICAWG welcomes the consultation on a number of key issues that we have long advocated to reform. We look forward to contributing and hope the process will lead to robust but proportionate legislative change, making Northern Ireland a better place for companion animal welfare."

Encouraging public participation, the Minister concluded: "I would strongly encourage everyone with an interest in animal welfare to take part in this consultation. By working together, and despite the constraints and complexities we face, we can take meaningful and proactive steps to further enhance and protect the welfare of animals in Northern Ireland."

The consultation period is currently open and will remain so for eight weeks, with a closing deadline of 23:59 on 30 June 2026. Interested parties can find full details and submit their responses via the official Consultation on Proposed Animal Welfare Policy Reforms in Northern Ireland. Following the closing date, DAERA will review all feedback before publishing a summary of findings and the proposed next steps.