Introduction
At Canine Breeders Northern Ireland (CBNI), our commitment to animal welfare has always been at the heart of what we do. We take pride in representing fully licensed and regulated breeders that ensures the highest standard of care for their animals. However, recent developments in Northern Ireland’s legislative landscape concerning dog breeding and animal welfare have raised serious concerns about the exclusion of key stakeholders like CBNI from critical discussions.
The Announcement: A Missed Opportunity for Inclusion
Minister Muir’s recent announcement, titled “Strengthening Animal Welfare a Top Priority”, highlights plans to introduce a version of Lucy’s Law for Northern Ireland. While we welcome the focus on improving animal welfare, we were disappointed to learn that CBNI was not consulted during this process. As the primary representative body for licensed and regulated dog breeders, we find this omission troubling and unfair.
Who We Are and What We Stand For
CBNI represents a community of dog breeders who are fully compliant with licensing requirements and operate under strict regulations. Our members’ facilities are inspected regularly to ensure the highest standards of care and welfare. Over the years, we have worked collaboratively with various government bodies, including DARD, DAERA, DAFM, and DEFRA, to address challenges and improve dog welfare.
We fully support better enforcement against unlicensed breeders and the closure of illegal breeding facilities. Our mission aligns with ensuring that the public can source pets from ethical, licensed breeders rather than driving dog breeding underground, where cruelty is much more likely to occur.
Concerns About Consultation Processes
One of the critical issues we face is the apparent reliance on animal welfare charities as the primary contributors to these legislative discussions. While these organizations play a valuable role, their agendas often focus on eliminating dog breeding entirely, rather than addressing the realities of regulated and ethical breeding. This one-sided approach risks creating unbalanced legislation that ignores the perspectives of licensed breeders who are already committed to animal welfare.
CBNI’s expertise in dog breeding is unparalleled. Our members have successfully bred thousands of litters, ensuring the health and well-being of every animal. We insist that any expert panels or consultations include our voices to provide a balanced, informed perspective.
The Importance of Licensed Breeders
Licensed and regulated breeders are the cornerstone of ethical dog breeding. By adhering to strict welfare standards, we ensure that animals are treated with care and compassion. Excluding our voices from legislative discussions undermines these efforts and could inadvertently harm animal welfare by pushing breeding into unregulated, underground operations.
The public has a right to access pets from reputable, licensed breeders. Ensuring proper regulation and enforcement will protect animals and prospective pet owners alike.
A Call to Action
We urge the Department to engage with CBNI as a matter of urgency. Including licensed breeders in these discussions is not just a matter of fairness but also a necessity for creating effective, practical legislation. We are ready and willing to contribute our expertise to ensure that new laws genuinely strengthen animal welfare while safeguarding the rights of responsible breeders.
CBNI’s track record speaks for itself. From exposing unethical practices to working with government bodies on meaningful reforms, we have consistently shown our commitment to doing what’s right. We now ask the Minister and the Department to recognize our contributions and ensure our inclusion in any future consultations.
Conclusion
At CBNI, we believe in a future where animal welfare and responsible dog breeding coexist. By working together, we can create legislation that benefits everyone—from the animals we care for to the families looking for a new furry member. Let’s ensure that all voices, especially those with a proven commitment to ethical practices, are heard in shaping Northern Ireland’s approach to animal welfare.