Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011

From the 2nd of April 2012, District Councils have responsibility for enforcement of the powers in the Welfare of Animals (NI) Act 2011, in respect of domestic pets, horses and donkeys.

Councils have adopted a regional approach to the new legislation and have appointed five Animal Welfare Officers to enforce animal welfare across Northern Ireland. These Officers have statutory enforcement powers and can take a range of action including providing advice, issuing an improvement notice, taking an animal into their possession and prosecution.

If you live in Newtownabbey and need to report an animal welfare issue relating to a domestic pet, horse or donkey then call 028 2566 0412

If you live outside Newtownabbey then please use the appropriate number listed below:

Belfast City Council Area

Telephone: 028 90270431

Eastern Area (5 Councils) – Ards, Castlereagh, Down, Lisburn and North Down

Telephone: 028 90494567

Northern Area (10 Councils) – Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Cookstown, Larne, Magherafelt, Moyle and Newtownabbey

Telephone: 028 25660412

Southern Area (5 Councils) – Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Dungannon and Newry and Mourne

Telephone: 028 37515800

Western Area (5 Councils) – Derry, Fermanagh, Limavady, Omagh and Strabane

Telephone: 028 82256226

Welfare complaints in respect of farmed animals i.e. animals bred or kept for the production of food, wool or skin or other farming purposes, should be referred to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development by calling: 0300 200 7840.

Welfare complaints in respect of wild animals or animal fighting should be referred to the Police Service of Northern Ireland by calling 0845 600 8000.