Menu
13/10/2003
Minister announces wild animal legislation plans
The Department of Environment has begun a 12 week consultation exercise on proposals to introduce legislation to regulate dangerous wild animals kept by private individuals in Northern Ireland.
The legislation comes after weeks of sightings across Northern Ireland of wild animals which have allegedly attacked local farmland animals.
NIO Minister, Angela Smith said: “I am very aware of public concern that the keeping of dangerous animals should be properly regulated and there have been some very graphic examples of this problem recently.
“Under the proposals anyone owning or wishing to own such an animal will be required to obtain a licence from the DOE. Licences will only be issued where the DOE is satisfied that the animal can be kept securely and properly looked after.
Former MLA, UUP member David McClarty said the proposed legislation to regulate dangerous animals was long overdue.
Commenting on Angela Smith’s announcement, he said: “With the scale of fear and concern for public safety around the North Coast area in recent weeks due to the presence of a wild animal roaming free, this move is welcome but long overdue.
“It seems totally absurd that this regulatory legislation has been in place on the mainland for almost 30 years but was not in force in Northern Ireland. Up to now a crazy situation existed where anyone could keep a wild animals without having to register them."
Mr McClarty said he hoped today's announcement would go a long way to ensuring that similar situations to the one being experienced in the North West at present aren't repeated.
(MB)
The legislation comes after weeks of sightings across Northern Ireland of wild animals which have allegedly attacked local farmland animals.
NIO Minister, Angela Smith said: “I am very aware of public concern that the keeping of dangerous animals should be properly regulated and there have been some very graphic examples of this problem recently.
“Under the proposals anyone owning or wishing to own such an animal will be required to obtain a licence from the DOE. Licences will only be issued where the DOE is satisfied that the animal can be kept securely and properly looked after.
Former MLA, UUP member David McClarty said the proposed legislation to regulate dangerous animals was long overdue.
Commenting on Angela Smith’s announcement, he said: “With the scale of fear and concern for public safety around the North Coast area in recent weeks due to the presence of a wild animal roaming free, this move is welcome but long overdue.
“It seems totally absurd that this regulatory legislation has been in place on the mainland for almost 30 years but was not in force in Northern Ireland. Up to now a crazy situation existed where anyone could keep a wild animals without having to register them."
Mr McClarty said he hoped today's announcement would go a long way to ensuring that similar situations to the one being experienced in the North West at present aren't repeated.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 September 2003
NI to get better laws to regulate wild animals
The Northern Ireland Office is currently preparing new legislation to better regulate dangerous wild animals in Northern Ireland. The news came in a reply to a parliamentary question from East Antrim MP Roy Beggs, on the extension of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 in Northern Ireland.
NI to get better laws to regulate wild animals
The Northern Ireland Office is currently preparing new legislation to better regulate dangerous wild animals in Northern Ireland. The news came in a reply to a parliamentary question from East Antrim MP Roy Beggs, on the extension of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 in Northern Ireland.
19 July 2023
DAERA Launches New Online Reporting Platform
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced a new online platform to report the death of wild birds, as part of an effort to address avian influenza.
DAERA Launches New Online Reporting Platform
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced a new online platform to report the death of wild birds, as part of an effort to address avian influenza.
13 August 2004
Government introduces wild animal legislation
New legislation on the keeping of dangerous wild animals in Northern Ireland is set to be introduced. The Dangerous Wild Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 regulates the keeping of dangerous wild animals by private individuals in Northern Ireland in order to ensure public safety and the welfare of the animals, the government announced today.
Government introduces wild animal legislation
New legislation on the keeping of dangerous wild animals in Northern Ireland is set to be introduced. The Dangerous Wild Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 regulates the keeping of dangerous wild animals by private individuals in Northern Ireland in order to ensure public safety and the welfare of the animals, the government announced today.
31 August 2006
South American monkey seized in Craigavon
A South American tamarin monkey has been seized from a housing estate in County Armagh. Officers from the USPCA were assisted by police in recovering the cotton top tamarin from a private house in the Legahory area of Craigavon.
South American monkey seized in Craigavon
A South American tamarin monkey has been seized from a housing estate in County Armagh. Officers from the USPCA were assisted by police in recovering the cotton top tamarin from a private house in the Legahory area of Craigavon.
21 October 2024
Alliance Calls For Ban Of Hunting Wild Mammals With Dogs
Alliance MLA John Blair has reintroduced a Private Member's Bill aimed at banning the hunting of wild mammals with dogs in Northern Ireland. Mr. Blair expressed concerns that the opportunity to end this practice could be lost if the Bill fails again.
Alliance Calls For Ban Of Hunting Wild Mammals With Dogs
Alliance MLA John Blair has reintroduced a Private Member's Bill aimed at banning the hunting of wild mammals with dogs in Northern Ireland. Mr. Blair expressed concerns that the opportunity to end this practice could be lost if the Bill fails again.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
