Consultation launched on proposed animal welfare reforms in Northern Ireland

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has opened a public consultation on a series of proposed reforms to animal welfare policy in Northern Ireland.

The consultation, launched on 5 May 2026, sets out potential changes across four key areas, including new regulation for animal rescue and rehoming organisations, an inflation‑linked rise in dog licence fees, a ban on certain aversive training devices, and strengthened microchipping rules for dogs. DAERA is also seeking evidence on whether microchipping should become mandatory for pet cats.

According to the consultation letter, the Department is inviting views on “proposed changes across four key policy areas” and has also issued “a call for evidence on the mandatory microchipping of pet cats.”

The consultation will run until 30 June 2026, with full documentation and impact assessments available on the DAERA website. Officials will review all submissions before publishing a summary of responses. Ministers will then consider the findings before setting out the next steps.

Evidence gathered on cat microchipping will be used to inform any future policy direction.

Responses can be submitted via the Department’s online consultation portal, and alternative contact options are available for people who are deaf or have hearing difficulties.