DUP Launches Anti-Animal Cruelty Policy

The DUP has introduced an Animal Welfare Policy aiming to ensure that NI becomes a zero-tolerance country for those who would abuse animals.

Launched by East Belfast candidate Gavin Robinson at the Assisi Charity shop in Newtownards, the 'Challenging Cruelty' policy recognises that tackling cruelty to animals will require longer, attitudinal change within society.

Mr Robinson said: "There is a lack of understanding about the legislation governing animal welfare in Northern Ireland. A recent poll found that 94% of people were unaware of changes to legislation relating to the organisations and bodies responsible for investigating and acting on cruelty and neglect of animals.

"In the same survey, only 9% of people cited their local council as the point of contact. For this reason we propose a public awareness campaign in relation to the Welfare of Animals Act, its provisions and how to report cruelty.

"Such a campaign will also be assisted by the development of dedicated school resources to inform Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils about pet ownership and all that is involved with it.

"A key area of concern is that when a ban from owning or keeping animals for a certain period of time there is no effective mechanism in place to police such bans. This was a key issue highlighted by many charities and those working in the sector and that is why we propose a centrally compiled 'Banned Offenders Register'.

"That register can provide a resource for enforcement officials and ensure that any breach of the ban can be identified and punished appropriately."

(CD/JP)