How you can help tackle animal cruelty

Residents throughout Mid and East Antrim have been encouraged to help tackle animal suffering in the borough.

Recently there have been high profile cases in Mid and East Antrim where investigations are ongoing into alleged animal neglect.

Mayor Maureen Morrow said: “In 2018 it was reported that 45 people in Northern Ireland were banned from keeping animals after they were convicted of animal cruelty.

“This was an increase of 26 people banned from 2015.

“However, many people are unsure of where the responsibility lies in terms of reporting cases - so that’s where we can help with some helpful points of contact.

“Local councils have adopted a collaborative regional approach to the new legislation and have appointed nine Animal Welfare Officers to enforce animal welfare in respect of non-farmed animals, across Northern Ireland.

“Three separate bodies are responsible for enforcement of the Act depending on the type of animals involved and, in some cases, the nature of the welfare issue.”

If you become aware of an animal welfare case:

Please DO:

Non-Farmed Animals

Councils are responsible for enforcement of the Welfare of Animals (NI) Act 2011, as it applies to non-farmed animals.

This means domestic pets of any vertebrate species such as cats, dogs, horses and donkeys, etc.

Council Animal Welfare Officers do not offer re-homing services for unwanted animals but will be able to refer you to other bodies that may be able to help.

If you need to report a non-farmed animal welfare case during office hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, you should contact: T: 028 2563 3134 E:animal.welfare@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

If an animal requires urgent attention, you may wish to contact a local vet.

For matters relating to dog straying or dog attacks, please contact Council’s Senior Enforcement Officer on: T: 028 25 633 120.

Welfare of Farm Animals

The Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is responsible for enforcement of the Welfare of Animals (NI) Act 2011, in relation to farmed animals. Welfare complaints in respect of Farmed Animals (that is animals bred or kept for the production of food, wool or skin or other farming purposes) should be referred to DAERA.

During office hours which are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, contact DAERA by T: 0300 200 7840.

After 5pm and at weekends if you have a complaint relating to a Farmed Animal contact a local Private Veterinary Practice or the PSNI who will, as necessary, refer the welfare complaint to the relevant “on call” officer.

Welfare of Wild Animals/Animal Fighting

Welfare complaints in respect of wild animals or animal fighting should be referred to your local Police Station: T: 101

Wildlife

If your call relates to wildlife crime, badger baiting, poisoning of birds, destroying or disturbing bat roosts, release into the wild of non-native species, trapping wildlife illegally, trade in endangered species, deer poaching or if an animal is on the road or other criminal activity is suspected please contact the PSNI non-emergency number T: 101 or in an emergency T: 999.

Alternatively if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on T: 0800 555 111

Information on animal welfare and how to care for animals is available on NI Direct's Animal Welfare pages.