There is legislation in Northern Ireland designed to protect the health and welfare of domesticated, farmed and wild animals. If you own or keep an animal you have a legal duty to make sure that its welfare needs are met.
Under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 1972, it is against the law to be cruel to an animal.
Under the Welfare of Animals Act, it is possible for anyone to bring criminal proceedings if there is reason to believe that unnecessary suffering has been caused or if an animal’s welfare needs have not been met.
Police officers may enter, at any reasonable time, any premises where they believe an offence under the Welfare of Animals Act is being committed.
If you suspect that an animal is being neglected or subjected to cruelty, then you can contact private organisations such as the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) or World Horse Welfare.
These private organisations can request the help of local authorities or the police if necessary. For example, if they need to gain access to a property or are physically threatened.
Your council has a duty to deal with stray dogs. However, it will not deal with stray cats. If you are concerned about a stray animal, you can call the USPCA. Where necessary, a trained animal handler will come and collect the animal and take it to a shelter for re-homing.
Northern Ireland has been free of rabies for many years.
All rabies-susceptible animals entering the UK are required to spend six months in quarantine. This is unless they are arriving under and complying with all the conditions of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) - information can be found on the website of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).
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