4.Views on the policy proposals on new animal welfare legislation were sought during a public consultation in 2006. As this consultation was carried out during Direct Rule, when devolved government was restored in Northern Ireland the Minister decided to engage directly with key stakeholders to hear at first hand their concerns. The Minister and officials have engaged extensively with a wide range of welfare interests from here, the south of Ireland and GB. The policy was formulated taking into account new animal welfare legislation in England and Wales and in Scotland enacted in 2006 and 2007 respectively.
5.To close the consultation process officials held an Animal Welfare Stakeholder Workshop on 17 September 2009 to provide stakeholders with a final opportunity to update and submit their views to the Department. The consultation process highlighted broad stakeholder support for the establishment of new animal welfare measures which would strengthen powers to enhance the welfare of animals.
6.The finalised consultation document can be found on the Department’s website at http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/consultations/archived-consultations.htm and the responses and associated documents to both the original consultation and workshop can be found at http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/animal-health/animal-welfare/animal_welfare-newpage-2.htm.
7.Schedule 4 to the Act sets out minor and consequential amendments to other legislation and a list of repeals is set out in Schedule 5 to the Act.