Protect Service Animals in Northern Ireland

The Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021

Now that the consultation paper views are with DAERA I will give an update.

As previously stated, following the closure of the consultation, the Department (DAERA) will collate and analyse all replies, which will be compiled into a consultation response document. It is expected that this document will be formally published during September 2021. It is then anticipated that the Minister will introduce the draft Bill to the Assembly thereafter, in early October 2021.

I have received an email regarding Accelerated Passage from Mr. Poots, DAERA Minister, Alex and I asked if this would be possible.

It will require engagement with the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee (AERA) and Executive approval and will depend on a number of factors, including the capacity of the Committee and the Assembly to consider and progress the draft Bill in all its stages, before the mandate ends. In other words if there is time it will go through in the normal way if not, he might ask for the Excelerated Passage.

I will keep in touch with Mr. Andrews, DAERA and Alex Easton, MLA will keep in touch with Mr. Poots.

I will also keep everyone updated as the Bill progresses and I'll not close my petition until The Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 has been enacted.

I sincerely thank everyone for their support, signing the petition and your views on the Consultation Paper, I could not have got this far without you ❤️.

ServiceAnimalsNI