COMMITTEE FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

WELFARE OF ANIMALS BILL

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2010
ROOM 30 PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present:
Mr Stephen Moutray (Chairperson)
Mr Roy Beggs MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr PJ Bradley MLA
Mr Trevor Clarke MLA
Mr Willie Clarke MLA
Mr Pat Doherty MP MLA
Mr Simpson Gibson MLA
Mr William Irwin MLA
Mr Francie Molloy MLA

In attendance:
Mr Paul Carlisle (Clerk to the Committee)
Mrs Ashleigh Mitford (Assistant Clerk)
Mr Mark O’Hare (Clerical Supervisor)
Ms Dagmar Walgraeve (Clerical Officer)

Apologies:
Mr Kieran McCarthy MLA
Mr George Savage MLA

The meeting commenced at 1.23pm in Public Session

1. Apologies

As above

2. Minutes

Agreed : The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting of 09 November 2010

1.24pm Mr Molloy joined the meeting

3. Matters Arising

The Committee noted correspondence issued since the meeting of 09 November 2010

The Committee noted correspondence received since the meeting of 09 November 2010

4. Ministerial Attendance

The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development joined the meeting, accompanied by the following Departmental Officials:

Gerry Lavery- Permanent Secretary

Colette McMaster - Director of Animal Health and Welfare Policy Division

Kate Davey -  Head of Welfare of Animals Bill Team

The Minister confirmed that there will be a 12 month delay in commencement of clause 2 of the Dogs (Amendment) Bill.

The Minister addressed the Committee in relation to clause 6 of the Welfare of Animals Bill - Docking of Dog’s Tails.

1.29pmMr Beggs joined the meeting

Members put questions in relation to this clause.

Mr Bradley declared an interest as an honorary member of NI BVA.

The Minister addressed the Committee in respect of the enforcement role of councils and confirmed that the respective enforcement provisions in the bill will not be commenced until such times as the necessary resources, systems and procedures are in place to enable the councils to implement these powers.

Members put questions in relation to this clause.

During questions

2.22pm Mr Irwin joined the meeting

Mr Beggs, Mr Molloy and Mr T Clarke declared an interest as local government councillors.

The Minister left the meeting at 2.44pm.

The Departmental Officials left the table.

5. Clause by Clause Consideration of the Welfare of Animals Bill

Clause 6 – Docking of dogs’ tails

Members discussed the way forward with this clause.

3.02pm The meeting adjourned

3.19pm The deputy chairperson took the chair and the meeting reconvened with the following members present:

Mr. Beggs, Mr Bradley Mr. T Clarke, Mr. W Clarke, Mr Gibson, Mr Molloy.

The Clerk briefed the Committee.

3.20pm The following Departmental officials came to the table:

Colette McMaster – Assistant Secretary

Kate Davey – Principal Officer

Paddy McGuckian – Divisional Veterinary Officer

Andrew Kell – Deputy Principal

3.20pmMr. Doherty rejoined the meeting.

3.25pm Mr. Moutray rejoined the meeting and took the chair.

3.28pm Mr Irwin rejoined the meeting.

Agreed: The Clerk will write to the Department on a number of issues that relate to the Committee’s request that the Department widens its proposed exemption on tail docking.

Agreed: The Committee would take further consideration in relation to clause 6.

Clause 12 - Licensing or registration of activities involving animals

Members put questions to Departmental officials.

Clause 17 – Powers in relation to animals in distress

Clause 29 - Power of councils to prosecute offences

The Committee confirmed its position that clauses 12, 17 and 29 should be dormant until such times as the Department has fully consulted with councils.

The Department advised that clause 12 is an enabling clause to bring forward subordinate legislation on each activity and that the Department will carry out full consultation on each activity.

6. Date of the next meeting

The next Committee meeting in relation to the Welfare of Animals Bill will be on Tuesday, 23 November in Room 30.

The meeting was adjourned at 3.45pm

Mr Stephen Moutray
Chairperson, Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development

16 November 10 Dogs Amendment Bill / Menu