Swann urges a Review of Dog Pound and Kennelling Policies

Robin Swann MP attended an event held in Parliament to discuss issues around dog control in the UK. Hosted by Dogs Trust, the event provided MPs and dog experts with an opportunity to speak about the current dog control laws and the need to take urgent steps to reduce the number of incidents involving dogs.

Mr Swann said: "It was a privilege to attend the Dogs Trust event and join the important conversation on how we can better protect people and dogs through smarter legislation, and I support the push for a more balanced, evidence-based approach to dog control."

“Animal protection and the humane treatment of dogs is an important issue for me and the Ulster Unionist Party. The Northern Ireland Assembly recently passed a motion proposed by my Party colleagues which read:

‘That this Assembly believes in the highest standard of welfare for dogs in Northern Ireland; commends the work of the Dogs Trust and many other rehoming organisations and charities; expresses concern at the lack of support and oversight from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs regarding enforcement of animal welfare legislation by local councils; is alarmed at the policy of euthanising healthy dogs after just five days if they are not reclaimed; supports the Dogs Trust’s calls for legislation to ensure that all animal welfare establishments, including dog pounds, are licensed and have regular unannounced inspections; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to review local councils’ dog pound and kennelling policies, including the euthanising of healthy dogs and bringing forward a standardised approach across all councils.’

“Unfortunately, at the time the Alliance Party tried to amend this motion, removing all responsibility from their Minister, removing the call to stop the euthanasia of healthy dogs after just five days, and removing the call for a review of local councils’ pound and kennelling policies. This amendment was, thankfully, rejected by the Assembly.

“I have written to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to find out more about their dog pound and kennelling politicise, and to enquire if they have any need or plans to review their own policies in order to protect dogs here in the South Antrim area. I hope the DAERA Minister can recognise the importance of this issue, and that he commits to a review of all councils’ policies to ensure healthy and safe dogs are not unnecessarily euthanised.”