Northern Ireland legislation
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this page, ANVIL Ireland assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or up to date nature of the information provided.
ANVIL Ireland does not accept any liability whatsoever arising from any errors or omissions.
This page contains the regulations and acts concerning companion animals in Northern Ireland since 1950, along with a brief explanatory note. Further information may be obtained from www.opsi.gov.uk and www.statutelaw.gov.uk.
The Control of Greyhounds etc Act (NI), 1950
The Act made it illegal for greyhounds to be in a public place unless controlled and muzzled. It limited to two the number of greyhounds that a person could exercise in public. People guilty of an offence were liable to a fine of UK£200 or a maximum of three months’ imprisonment.
The Welfare of Animals Act (NI), 1972
The Welfare of Animals Act (NI), 1972 simplified and consolidated animal welfare legislation. Under the Act, a person committed an offence if he caused or permitted unnecessary suffering of an animal. The Act also allowed for the licensing of pet shops, animal boarding, riding and zoos. Any person found guilty of an offence is liable to imprisonment of up to three months and/or a fine.
The Dogs (Breeding Establishments and Guard Dog Kennels) (Northern Ireland) Regulations, 1983
The regulations allowed district councils to license dog-breeding premises. Those premises must reach a proper standard of construction and must be adequately ventilated.
The Dogs (NI) Order, 1983
The order made it illegal to hold a dog without a licence. Guard-dog kennels and breeding establishments had to be registered. The legislation introduced fines for owners whose dogs strayed and also made it an offence to set a dog on another animal.
The Dangerous Dogs (NI) Order, 1991
This gave the police powers to seize dogs of a particular breed. It referred to:
It made it illegal to exchange these dogs or advertise them for sale. Any person found guilty of an offence could face up to six months in prison.
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order (NI), 1997
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Amendment) Regulations (NI), 2007
This placed provisions on the protection of animals during transport. It placed duties on transporters to ensure the animals were transported without delay and safely. It also gave powers to inspectors to stop transport if they deemed an animal was at risk.
Horse Passport Regulations (NI), 2004
This dealt with the horse-racing industry and gave certain organisations powers to issue passports for horses. Horse means any equine, excluding zebras. Horses must have passports when they:
Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
This Act places responsibility for the animal with the owner. It also incorporates the five freedoms thus outlining the level of welfare to which the animal is entitled. The Act prohibits the docking of tails except in certain circumstances.
Dogs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
While the breed-specific dog ban remains in place, this updated legislation allows a judge to dispense with a destruction order where he deems a proscribed dog does not pose a danger to the public.
The Act also introduced compulsory microchipping, which should help reduce the number of dogs who go missing and are never recovered by their owners.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this page, ANVIL Ireland assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or up to date nature of the information provided.
ANVIL Ireland does not accept any liability whatsoever arising from any errors or omissions.
This page contains the regulations and acts concerning companion animals in Northern Ireland since 1950, along with a brief explanatory note. Further information may be obtained from www.opsi.gov.uk and www.statutelaw.gov.uk.
The Control of Greyhounds etc Act (NI), 1950
The Act made it illegal for greyhounds to be in a public place unless controlled and muzzled. It limited to two the number of greyhounds that a person could exercise in public. People guilty of an offence were liable to a fine of UK£200 or a maximum of three months’ imprisonment.
The Welfare of Animals Act (NI), 1972
The Welfare of Animals Act (NI), 1972 simplified and consolidated animal welfare legislation. Under the Act, a person committed an offence if he caused or permitted unnecessary suffering of an animal. The Act also allowed for the licensing of pet shops, animal boarding, riding and zoos. Any person found guilty of an offence is liable to imprisonment of up to three months and/or a fine.
The Dogs (Breeding Establishments and Guard Dog Kennels) (Northern Ireland) Regulations, 1983
The regulations allowed district councils to license dog-breeding premises. Those premises must reach a proper standard of construction and must be adequately ventilated.
The Dogs (NI) Order, 1983
The order made it illegal to hold a dog without a licence. Guard-dog kennels and breeding establishments had to be registered. The legislation introduced fines for owners whose dogs strayed and also made it an offence to set a dog on another animal.
The Dangerous Dogs (NI) Order, 1991
This gave the police powers to seize dogs of a particular breed. It referred to:
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Japanese Tosas
- Dogs bred for fighting
It made it illegal to exchange these dogs or advertise them for sale. Any person found guilty of an offence could face up to six months in prison.
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order (NI), 1997
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Amendment) Regulations (NI), 2007
This placed provisions on the protection of animals during transport. It placed duties on transporters to ensure the animals were transported without delay and safely. It also gave powers to inspectors to stop transport if they deemed an animal was at risk.
Horse Passport Regulations (NI), 2004
This dealt with the horse-racing industry and gave certain organisations powers to issue passports for horses. Horse means any equine, excluding zebras. Horses must have passports when they:
- Are sold
- Move to the premises of a new keep
- Are sent out of Northern Ireland
- Enter competitions
- Are used for breeding
- Are presented for slaughter
Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
This Act places responsibility for the animal with the owner. It also incorporates the five freedoms thus outlining the level of welfare to which the animal is entitled. The Act prohibits the docking of tails except in certain circumstances.
Dogs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
While the breed-specific dog ban remains in place, this updated legislation allows a judge to dispense with a destruction order where he deems a proscribed dog does not pose a danger to the public.
The Act also introduced compulsory microchipping, which should help reduce the number of dogs who go missing and are never recovered by their owners.
