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Animal Welfare: Northern Ireland

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 10 July 2025UIN 65049

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the licensing and regulation of animal rescue and rehoming centres.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner

Animal welfare is a devolved matter in the UK. This means that responsibility for animal welfare policy in the individual nations is the responsibility of the relevant nations’ Ministers.

However, Defra works closely with the devolved Governments on a range of shared priorities and will discuss any relevant matters as necessary.

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