Illegal dog breeders will be on a tight leash following a motion to support a multi-agency approach to stamp out criminal puppy farms.
The new animal welfare approach will see nominated councillors from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council attending a forum to combat the scourge of puppy farms.
The value of illegal pet trafficking has been estimated by the USPCA to be over £150m a year with many pups sold in poor health due to the squalid conditions they are born into.
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Rowallane councillor, Patrick Brown (Alliance) brought forward the original motion at full council to seek a new animal welfare forum created within the council.
"There is an increase and worrying prevalence of puppy farming and pet abandonment in recent years," said Cllr Brown.
There were 290 visits in Northern Ireland to suspect animal welfare situations in the last six months with 30 pups re-homed as well as reports of pets bought for children dying due to ill health linked to conditions in illegal breeding farms.
"The forum would seek representation from elected members, dog wardens, kennelling providers, DAERA, animal shelters, charities and the PSNI.
"We must be seen to pursue illegal breeders in the district with a consistent input.
"There is a high level of need for rehoming of dogs and there is a high level of euthanasia.
