The 2011 Act provides the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) with similar powers to those provided to DARD and Council-appointed inspectors, as well as powers that allow only constables to seize animals involved in fighting offences. Since the 2011 Act was introduced the PSNI has taken responsibility for dealing with welfare offences involving wild animals and for the more serious animal welfare offences, such as animal fighting or where other criminal activities are involved.
Report of the implementation of the welfare of animals act 2011