The RSPCA recently reported a marked increase in successful animal welfare prosecutions in England and Wales. This can largely be attributed to an updating of the law that came into effect in their area of jurisdiction during 2007. Sound and sensible changes that make the keeper of an animal legally responsible for the creatures well being. The new law encompasses the fundamental rights that form ‘The Five Freedoms’ a list of basic welfare entitlements that should be enjoyed by all animals. To learn about ‘The Five Freedoms’ refer to the homepage of this website.

In Northern Ireland USPCA Welfare Officers and the Statutory Agencies charged with enforcing the existing outdated law are swimming against a tide of apathy. The apathy is on the part of Stormont politicians in failing to progress a new law for NI first proposed in 2006 under direct rule. We live in a country where ‘keeping an animal in conditions likely to cause it suffering’ is NOT an offence under existing law. In other words there is no legal redress for a dog forced to survive in a yard littered with its own filth, an animal never groomed, walked or socialised. Only when the sores appear and the vet is ignored can we involve the PSNI with the prospect of prosecution, and at that stage our intervention is often in vain, another animal has perished at the hands of two worthless abusers, its owner and the law.  

The USPCA has asked the Minister, Michelle Gildernew, about the long delay and were assured she supports changes; however, she wants complementary legislation to come into effect North and South and has instructed her departmental officials to work to this end. The ISPCA, our Southern counterparts, are, like us, wallowing in antiquated legislation. It seems any changes in the Animal Welfare Law in the Republic are, at least, one year away and probably more.

Adherence to ‘The Five Freedoms’ is a key objective of all animal welfare organisations throughout the world. Our new law is all but written for you; surely ensuring decent basic standards of animal welfare is not a contentious issue and must attract cross party support. Please stop sitting on your hands, let the Stormont Assembly set animal welfare standards for others to follow and give our abused and abandoned animals the chance they deserve.  

Stephen Philpott
Chief Executive
USPCA