The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has today published a consultation document on a draft Northern Ireland Animal Health and Welfare Strategic Framework.
The Department recognises that an overarching and integrated approach to animal health and welfare in NI is required, and has worked closely with a sub group of the Animal Health and Welfare Stakeholder Forum, comprising industry, veterinary and animal welfare representatives, to develop its proposals for the Framework.
The aim is to provide a vision for animal health and welfare based on five outcomes, agreed and delivered in partnership between Government and stakeholders. It is proposed that an annual delivery plan will be produced, and a new mechanism for monitoring and reporting introduced. It is expected that the proposed Framework will be valid for 10 years.
Launching the consultation on the Framework, the Chief Veterinary Officer for NI, Dr Robert Huey said: “The draft NI Animal Health and Welfare Strategic Framework represents a new approach to animal health and welfare in NI, focusing on the need for effective partnership with stakeholders to ensure we make real progress towards delivering agreed outcomes.
"The health and welfare of our animals is vital to society’s well-being. High standards of animal health and welfare underpin the reputation of our sustainable agri-food industry and its ability to prosper.
"Safeguarding the health and welfare of animals is, however, about much more than the economy. Our high standards of animal health and welfare contribute to good public health and safe food, and to the sustainability of our environment. We also have a responsibility to ensure that the welfare of our animals is safeguarded.”
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholder sub group a spokesperson commented:
“The draft Framework has been developed through a process of government and stakeholder co-design and provides a mechanism for continued and long-term collaboration. It is timely that, in the context of EU exit with potential implications for the agri-food industry, we consider animal health and welfare issues in a more holistic and integrated way.”
The closing date for responses is 30 September 2019.
Notes to editors:
1. The Animal Health and Welfare Stakeholder Forum is an industry group, established to facilitate consultation and engagement between the Department and its key stakeholders. Members of the relevant sub group are:
- Holstein UK - John Martin
- National Sheep Association (NSA) - Edward Adamson
- North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) - Aurelie Moralis
- NI Pork and Bacon Forum - Deirdre McIvor
- NI Poultry Federation - Margaret Hardy
- Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) - Geoff Thompson
- Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) - Tim Kirby
2. DAERA has worked closely with the stakeholder sub group to develop the following five proposed animal health and welfare outcomes:
- We keep our animals healthy and treat them well.
- We have a competitive, innovative livestock industry that contributes to our economic prosperity.
- We protect public health and our food from animal-related disease.
- We take a sustainable approach to the farming of animals that respects the environment.
- We have animal health and welfare safeguards that are widely recognised and trusted.
3. Follow DAERA on Twitter and Facebook.
4. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or via email. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.
Latest news
- CAFRE Rush Control on-farm event planned for the Erne catchment 23 August 2024
- Northern Ireland Carrier Bag Levy Annual Statistics 2023/24 released 22 August 2024
- Muir welcomes introduction of new Pet Abduction offences in Northern Ireland 22 August 2024
- Extension of the Chair of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute Board position 22 August 2024