Animal Welfare

Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011

Under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011, anyone responsible for an animal must make sure that its needs are met. It is an offence to fail to take reasonable steps to ensure its welfare. Causing an animal unnecessary suffering is also an offence and can result in a prison sentence of up to 5 years and an unlimited fine.

Reporting Animal Welfare Concerns

If you become aware of an animal welfare issue, please report it to the correct organisation listed below and provide as much detail as possible.

Farmed Animals

(Animals bred or kept for food, wool, skin, or other farming purposes)
Report to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The Council’s Animal Welfare Officers do not give rehoming services for unwanted animals but can refer you to organisations that may be able to help.

Wildlife Incidents

Report to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

If your call relates to:

• Wildlife crime (such as badger baiting, illegal poisoning of birds, or disturbing bat roosts)

• Illegal trapping or trade in endangered species

• Deer poaching

• Animals on the road

• Or any other suspected criminal activity

Contact the PSNI on 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency).

If you want to report information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Contact Details- Animal Welfare

Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Telephone: 028 3751 5800

Email: animalwelfare@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Web: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/animal-welfare-quick-guide

If you need to report a non-farmed animal welfare case, please contact the above number or email Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.

Emergency Animal Welfare Cases

If an animal needs urgent attention, you may wish to contact a local vet. 

For farmed animals, during office hours (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm), call DAERA on 0300 200 7840.

At weekends, contact a local private veterinary practice or the PSNI, who will refer the matter to the relevant on-call officer.

Please DO NOT

• Post comments or photos about animal welfare cases on social media — this may affect court proceedings.

• Interfere with evidence, as this could impact a criminal investigation.

• Try to rescue an animal yourself — doing so may be considered illegal.