Institute of Licensing supports DAERA proposals to tighten puppy and kitten sales rules

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) launched a consultation on proposed new rules for selling and supplying puppies and kittens in Northern Ireland. The proposals aim to improve animal welfare and include mandatory registration with local councils, advertising requirements, and conditions for transferring ownership. These changes form part of the broader *Animal Welfare Pathway 2025–27*, which outlines future reforms to animal welfare legislation.

Institute of Licensing’s response

The IoL broadly supports the intent to strengthen animal welfare but raises significant concerns about the practicality and funding of the proposals.  In summary:

Local authority capacity and funding

The IoL strongly opposes placing new registration duties on councils without dedicated funding. It highlights the withdrawal of council funding for non-farmed animal welfare in 2023 and the added burden from enforcing XL Bully dog controls introduced in 2024. Without financial support, councils risk being overwhelmed, with costs passed to local taxpayers.

Alternative delivery models

The IoL suggests exploring other organisations—such as DAERA itself, USPCA, or registered charities—to manage registration. It advocates for a centralised register for Northern Ireland, similar to the Republic of Ireland’s model.

Concerns about enforcement and feasibility

The IoL questions the enforceability of kitten registration due to the roaming nature of cats and lack of mandatory microchipping. It also warns that requiring registration for giving away pets could unintentionally criminalise informal rehoming.

Support for exemptions and conditions

The IoL supports exemptions for registered charities and council-operated dog pounds, but not for external contractors. It agrees with most proposed registration conditions, including age limits and presence of the biological mother, but recommends clearer terminology and additional safeguards.

Advertising and public register

The IoL backs transparency in advertising and supports a public register, but urges caution around publishing private addresses due to GDPR and safety concerns.

Call for prioritisation and collaboration

The IoL believes reforms to dog breeding legislation and regulation of rescue centres should take precedence. It requests to be included as a key stakeholder in future consultations.