Minister Andrew Muir has welcomed the Northern Ireland Assembly's recent approval of legislation making CCTV mandatory in slaughterhouses.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) minister described it as "clear progress" in delivering the practical reforms set out in the Animal Welfare Pathway.

The new regulations, which will come into force on August 1, will "reinforce the high standards already operating across Northern Ireland’s slaughterhouses by placing existing good practice on a clear statutory footing", DAERA said.

New rules

With most premises already using CCTV, the regulations aim to ensure consistency across the sector by requiring coverage in all areas where live animals are present, retaining footage for 90 days and ensuring access for authorised officers.

This will bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK, strengthen transparency and oversight, support proportionate enforcement and help maintain public confidence in animal welfare standards, DAERA said.

Alongside this, the department is continuing to advance the wider Animal Welfare Pathway, including reforms on dog licensing, microchipping, dog licence fees, aversive training devices, and rescue and rehoming.

A public consultation seeking views on proposals closed last week and over 700 responses have been received.

Analysis of the responses is underway to inform the consultation response and proposed way forward to be published in the autumn.

Strengthen protections

Minister Muir said: “I am pleased that the assembly has approved legislation that will make CCTV mandatory in all Northern Ireland slaughterhouses.

“Improving animal welfare is a priority for me and for my department.

"The Animal Welfare Pathway sets out an ambitious programme of reform, and I am committed to progressing the measures that will make the greatest difference for animals, owners, councils and the wider public."

Dog breeding

On dog breeding, the department commissioned an independent review of the Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013.

The review group, chaired by Professor Gareth Arnott of Queen’s University Belfast, completed its report at the beginning of May.

It makes 11 headline recommendations, and approximately 50 sub recommendations, covering issues such as maximum dog numbers at breeding premises, mating rules, protections for breeding and retired dogs and veterinary oversight.

Phased approach

Minister Muir added: “The review has shown that reform is needed and that stronger protections are required for dogs and their puppies.

"Some of the recommendations are novel and would place Northern Ireland at the forefront of animal welfare reform. Delivering them will require careful planning, engagement and a phased approach."

The department said it is reviewing the group’s findings and will identify which recommendations can be taken forward to public consultation in the autumn as part of phase one implementation.

Minister Muir has also reaffirmed plans to bring forward legislation to introduce 'Lucy’s Law' in Northern Ireland, banning third-party sales of puppies and kittens and requiring sales or supplies to take place at the premises where the animals were bred.