Claire Sugden, treasurer of Stormont’s All Party Group for Animal Welfare, is calling for tight new measures over puppy farming, transport and sales in Northern Ireland - plus a stronger criminal justice approach to anyone convicted.
The independent MLA and former Justice Minister, was responding to the seizure of 29 puppies at Belfast Port as they were on their way to Britain last week.
Discrepancies in the puppies' paperwork were spotted by port staff who called in the PSNI, Belfast City Council and DEARA. All 29 dogs are now heading to foster homes with the help of Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary and Almost Home Animal Rescue NI and will be adopted in the new year.