To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he has any plans to introduce mandatory licensing for professional dog walkers.

I have no plans to introduce mandatory licensing for dog walking services in Northern Ireland. There are already laws in place which ensure that dogs here are under control when they are walked. Dog walkers also have a legal duty under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 to ensure that the needs of dogs in their care are met. Licences are not required elsewhere in the United Kingdom to provide this service.