Call for animal welfare summit in Derry
' Irresponsible individuals breeding dogs in their homes negating animal welfare requirements' - Cllr Emmet Doyle
There has been a call for an animal welfare summit to be held in Derry.
Making the call, Derry City and Strabane District councillor, Emmet Doyle (Aontú) said it should include "stakeholders to review 'outdated' legislation on animal welfare and dog breeding".
Cllr Doyle's calls followed a number of high profile shocking cases in the district in recent weeks
Cllr Doyle said: "Most people in the City will now be aware of the case of Luna, the dog found severely injured and partially buried in Ballyarnett in recent weeks. It has caused shock and anger throughout the community and has raised questions about how robust animal welfare and dog breeding laws are here.
"Dog breeding regulations are ten years old and require any breeder to register with the Council if they have three or more female dogs for breeding purposes. It's obvious in recent cases that some irresponsible individuals are breeding dogs in their home with several dogs and are breaking the law and negating animal welfare requirements.
"The Welfare of Animals Act for the north is older, from 2011 and whilst comprehensive in a range of measures, it's clear the punishment for offences relating to animal cruelty are nowhere near as stringent as the public would like.
"I am calling on Council to arrange a summit over the summer with the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs who are responsible for animal welfare, Council officers from across the North, veterinary representatives, animal charities and all other stakeholders to discuss the needs of animal welfare so that when the Assembly is revived the process can start to update the legislation."
Cllr Doyle said the vast majority of dog owners and breeders were extremely responsible and treated their animals with the dignity and love they deserved.
"However, it is clear from recent issues that a more robust approach is needed," he added.
"Anyone who is aware of or suspects an animal is being mistreated they should report that to Council or to the police."