Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, pursuant to AQW 38168/22-27, to detail (i) any engagement he has had with the Minister of Justice regarding the introduction of an aggravated offence for attacks on assistance dogs; and (ii) any actions he is taking to introduce an aggravated offence for attacks on assistance dogs.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: I recognise the role assistance dogs play in their owners’ lives and the lasting harm that can result from an attack. I believe there is merit in making attacks on assistance dogs a specific, aggravated offence and my officials have explored the case for doing so. This reform would require an amendment to primary legislation but unfortunately my capacity to enact legislation of this type has been constrained by this truncated mandate.
Nevertheless, the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, as amended, includes provisions which make it an offence for an individual’s dog to attack and injure an animal owned by another person. An attack on an assistance dog would currently be dealt with under this offence. I continue to focus on delivering the priorities outlined within my Animal Welfare Pathway.
ENDS
Your MLA 