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11/02/2025
Greens Secure Support For Humane XL Bully Legislation Reform
The Green Party has welcomed support of their bid to challenge NI's current ban on rehoming XL Bully type dogs, which it said has led to the destruction of healthy, non-aggressive animals.
The approved motion recognises the paramount importance of community safety while arguing that the blanket ban on rehoming XL Bullies is unnecessarily cruel. It calls on the DAERA Minister to revise the legislation, allowing registered animal charities and shelters to rehome these dogs following professional behavioural assessments.
Emphasising the need for evidence-based policy, Green Party Councillors Lauren Kendall said: "Expert organisations like the USPCA and Dogs Trust agree that dog breeds aren't inherently dangerous. Every day, shelters assess dogs for rehoming based on behaviour, not breed. We're simply asking for XL Bullies to be given the same chance, with proper vetting and safety measures in place."
Councillor Barry McKee also highlighted the human cost of the current legislation: "The case of Max in Lisburn & Castlereagh shows how flawed this system is. Without public outcry, a misidentified dog would have been needlessly destroyed. We're wasting time and resources fighting these battles when better legislation could prevent them entirely."
The Green Party's motion offers a balanced approach, prioritising both public safety and animal welfare. By advocating for professional assessments and responsible ownership practices, it aims to prevent the needless euthanasia of dogs that could bring joy to suitable owners.
As the Council prepares to write to the DAERA Minister, the Green Party Northern Ireland reaffirms its commitment to evidence-based policy-making that protects both communities and animals. This motion represents a crucial step towards more humane and effective dog control measures in Northern Ireland, ensuring that no dog is destroyed simply because of its breed.
The approved motion recognises the paramount importance of community safety while arguing that the blanket ban on rehoming XL Bullies is unnecessarily cruel. It calls on the DAERA Minister to revise the legislation, allowing registered animal charities and shelters to rehome these dogs following professional behavioural assessments.
Emphasising the need for evidence-based policy, Green Party Councillors Lauren Kendall said: "Expert organisations like the USPCA and Dogs Trust agree that dog breeds aren't inherently dangerous. Every day, shelters assess dogs for rehoming based on behaviour, not breed. We're simply asking for XL Bullies to be given the same chance, with proper vetting and safety measures in place."
The Green Party's motion offers a balanced approach, prioritising both public safety and animal welfare. By advocating for professional assessments and responsible ownership practices, it aims to prevent the needless euthanasia of dogs that could bring joy to suitable owners.
As the Council prepares to write to the DAERA Minister, the Green Party Northern Ireland reaffirms its commitment to evidence-based policy-making that protects both communities and animals. This motion represents a crucial step towards more humane and effective dog control measures in Northern Ireland, ensuring that no dog is destroyed simply because of its breed.
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Arrests Made Over Cannabis Find
A man and woman have been arrested after police seized cannabis plants and resin in a house in Rostrevor, Co Down. Seventy cannabis plants and 35kgs of cannabis resin were found during the police search on Monday. Four dogs, believed to have been used for badger baiting, were also taken at from the property. The pair are currently being questioned.
Arrests Made Over Cannabis Find
A man and woman have been arrested after police seized cannabis plants and resin in a house in Rostrevor, Co Down. Seventy cannabis plants and 35kgs of cannabis resin were found during the police search on Monday. Four dogs, believed to have been used for badger baiting, were also taken at from the property. The pair are currently being questioned.
03 September 2008
NI Leads Dog Euthanasia League
A canine welfare charity is urging people across the Province to re-home a rescue dog (like Xander, pictured) before purchasing a 'retail rover'. Dogs Trust's annual Stray Dogs Report published today has revealed 4,041 dogs were destroyed in Northern Ireland last year; making NI one of worst areas for animal welfare in the UK.
NI Leads Dog Euthanasia League
A canine welfare charity is urging people across the Province to re-home a rescue dog (like Xander, pictured) before purchasing a 'retail rover'. Dogs Trust's annual Stray Dogs Report published today has revealed 4,041 dogs were destroyed in Northern Ireland last year; making NI one of worst areas for animal welfare in the UK.
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20 July 2004
Nearly 4,000 stray dogs killed in NI last year
Local authorities in Northern Ireland destroyed nearly 4,000 stray dogs last year according to a new survey by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. The figure equates to an average of 11 dogs a day being put to sleep – an increase of 15% on the previous year and in stark contrast to the 2% decrease seen across the UK as a whole.
Nearly 4,000 stray dogs killed in NI last year
Local authorities in Northern Ireland destroyed nearly 4,000 stray dogs last year according to a new survey by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. The figure equates to an average of 11 dogs a day being put to sleep – an increase of 15% on the previous year and in stark contrast to the 2% decrease seen across the UK as a whole.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
