Justice Minister David Ford has addressed a community forum in Belfast on the issue of animal welfare.
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Badgers baiting and the abuse of animals has been condemned by Justice Minister Ford.[/caption]
The event, organised by Naomi Long MP, was also attended by representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Belfast City Council and the PSNI.
David Ford said: “Crimes against vulnerable animals are abhorrent and I welcome the opportunity to join with other stakeholders to discuss what we can do to tackle this issue. The role of my department in regard to animal welfare is to ensure that the legislation is compatible with the existing criminal law and that our criminal justice system is prepared to handle cases of this nature.
“This involves working closely with our partners in the criminal justice system, including DARD as the Department responsible for drafting the animal welfare legislation, and the relevant enforcement agencies.”
The Minister added: “The review of the implementation of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011, which DOJ is supporting and contributing to, seeks to examine how the current legislation is working in practice and identify potential areas for strengthening our approach to animal welfare.”
“Although the legislation is relatively new it is right that we should seek to review the current arrangements to ensure the protection of animals and send a message that the law will come down hard on those convicted of animal welfare offences.”
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