Stock dog image Northern Ireland councils are to continue with a judicial review into a Stormont decision to withdraw funding for animal welfare, despite an offer of a one-off payment from the Environment Minister. Last August the Stormont Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs shocked the 11 councils of Northern Ireland when it confirmed it had axed all animal welfare funding to local authorities, while warning the councils they were still legally obliged to deliver the service. This left the 11 cash-strapped councils down £1.
25 million for 2023/24 on work dedicated to saving and protecting neglected and abused pets. The budget also covers prosecutions against pet abusers, puppy farmers and smugglers. READ MORE: Ards and North Down pushing for powers to fine residents who leave bins on pavement READ MORE: Ards and North Down Council row flares up over plan to fly flag every day Councils have collectively launched Judicial Review proceedings against the Department, led by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and in advance of the planned hearing a request had been made of DAERA to reconsider its position.
The new DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has not backed down on the permanent cut, but has offered a one-off back-payment of half of the money, £625,000, that were due to councils for 2023-24. Despite the offer, the matter of animal welfare funding support for councils will still proceed to full judicial review hearing later in the year. Last month the DAERA M.