Northern Ireland Minister confirms home boarding firms can keep operating

Northern Ireland’s Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has confirmed that dog home boarding businesses in the country can continue to trade without fear of closure despite operating outside legislation.

Currently dog boarding licences available in Northern Ireland are applicable only for kennels where pets are kept in a purpose-built accommodation away from a family home. The current legislation dates back to the 1970s.

In a letter to fellow DUP politician Gordon Lyons, Poots says he accepts current legislation covering the sector is not fit for purpose and his department will not force businesses to close as long as acceptable animal welfare measures are in place.

He said legislation around the pet boarding has “not kept pace with modern-day practices” and he plans to “review and update the licensing system”.

Lyons has been urged to seek clarification on the matter by a concerned constituent in May.

Poots added: “I appreciate that complying with existing licensing conditions for animal boarding can be difficult for those who provide the service in a home setting.

“My Department [does] not therefore require businesses undertaking this activity to cease trading, but works closely with the relevant operators to encourage them to meet licensing conditions where they are able to do so.”