Swann Warns Pets at Risk from Vet Medicine Shortages

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has warned that Northern Ireland faces a serious animal welfare crisis if urgent action is not taken to resolve ongoing issues around the supply of veterinary medicines.

Mr Swann has written to both the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to raise this matter as a priority, following contact from a local animal rescue charity.

The charity warned that Northern Ireland could lose over 50% of veterinary medicines when the current post-Windsor Framework grace period expires in December, unless an agreement is reached between the UK and EU.

It also reported receiving calls from distressed pet owners who have already been told that the medicines they rely on to treat their animals will no longer be available from 1 January 2026.

Mr Swann said:

“Local vets, farmers, animal charities and pet owners are already feeling the pressure and if the grace period ends without agreement there could be a huge impact on animal.

“I’ve been contacted by an animal rescue charity warning that some owners are now trying to source medicines online because they cannot afford rising veterinary costs. If those supplies are lost, many fear they’ll have no choice but to surrender their pets. That is a completely unacceptable situation.”

Mr Swann said he has urged both DEFRA and DAERA to act urgently to protect animal welfare and ensure continued access to essential veterinary medicines.