What We Do

What we do

The USPCA is dedicated to ‘The Prevention of Cruelty & Relief of Suffering’. We set out to achieve our objectives by two clear paths ‘Education and Enforcement.’

Our Education endeavours are based on the truism ‘Prevention is Better that a Cure. ’If we can impart a respect for animals and an understanding of their needs in our next generation the welfare prospects for all animals will be transformed.

When education fails enforcement remains the only alternative and the Society will not shrink from pursuing this course of action as many convicted offenders can confirm to their cost.The USPCA works closely with all agencies (PSNI, Department of Agriculture, NI Environment Agency, Customs and Excise, Local Councils and others) to ensure charges are brought against offenders and to monitor situations where breaches of the law threaten.

Our Animal Information Line number is 028 3025 1000. Have a pen and paper at hand when you call this number. The Information Line receives over 1,000 calls each week. It is used to filter and prioritise calls and ensure best use of our resources. Queries are answered, advice is given and investigations launched in response to these calls. Malicious and misleading calls means we do not respond to anonymous callers.

The USPCA investigates suspected contraventions of the Wildlife Order (Northern Ireland) 1985 and the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 1972.

We are NOT responsible for the implementation of The Dogs (NI) Order 1983, The Dangerous Dogs (NI) Order 1991 or the Dangerous Wild Animal Legislation introduced in 2007.

The Wildlife Order protects certain listed species of native wildlife and their habitat. Birds of prey fall into this category, as do badgers and their setts.

The Welfare of Animals is currently undergoing a review necessary to close current loopholes and make it more relevant to 21st century abuses of animals. The USPCA looks forward to a revised Act that makes owners responsible for both the well-being and behaviour of their pets; makes the keeping of animals in conditions likely to cause suffering an offence and gives welfare officers the ability to involve the Statutory Agencies in investigations before actual suffering has been inflicted.

The Dogs Order is legislation implemented by Local Councils through their dog wardens. It is dog control legislation and takes no account of animal welfare. This law is in place to remove abandoned dogs from our streets, animals that stem from uncontrolled breeding and mindless owners. Implementing the Dogs Order leads to the destruction of thousands of unwanted dogs each year; unless they are in suffering they are NOT the responsibility of the USPCA. If we were to open our doors to Ulster’s strays we would not have the manpower or financial resources necessary to address our core objectives.

If you encounter a stray dog please contact the Dog Warden not the USPCA

The Dangerous Dogs (NI) Order 1991 was introduced to control a few breeds of dog classified as dangerous. Its implementation remains with Local Councils. USPCA involvement with Dangerous Dogs is limited to attacks on wildlife, Dog Fighting and the theft of pets used to blood these animals as killers.

To report a suspected Dangerous Dog contact the Dog warden.

The Dangerous Wild Animal Act (NI) 2007 requires keepers of exotic animals to register and licence their animals with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. This law closed an incredible loophole that allowed people in Northern Ireland to keep a tiger for free but charged them £5 to have a poodle.