To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on his efforts to introduce Lucy's Law.

Mr Muir

I remain committed to introducing legislation to regulate third-party sales of pups and kittens in Northern Ireland. I expect to be in a position to announce policy proposals by the end of this year along with a number of other key proposals, which I am confident will deliver improvements to the lives of companion animals. It is my desire that any legislation will be a significant step change for Northern Ireland and deliver for citizens and stakeholders. I have invited the Northern Ireland Companion Animal Welfare Group to meet me on 4 December so that we can discuss priority reforms for animal welfare. At that meeting, I will outline my Department’s vision for a version of Lucy’s law that will meet our local contexts and needs. One such option is measures that go beyond a prohibition on third-party sellers. It is my desire that any legislation introduced in this space will generate greater transparency and accountability in the marketplace by enabling purchasers to identify where a pet has come from. I am minded to bring forward further measures to improve animal welfare in Northern Ireland. Any proposals that I bring forward will, of course, be subject to public consultation.

Mr Muir

I am passionate about improving animal welfare standards in Northern Ireland. We have lost pace on that due to the collapse of the Assembly. I am determined to do what work I can, with the resources in my Department, to catch up on it. I will be engaging with stakeholders, because I want to do it in a process of co-design and working together. As part of that engagement, we will discuss measures that we can take forward together to improve animal welfare. I am already clearly of the mind that we should bring forward a ban on the use of shock collars, introduce compulsory microchipping of cats and strengthen legal requirements. It is important that we work together. There are many more things that we can do to protect animals against cruelty in Northern Ireland.

Mrs Erskine

The Minister will know that I have raised the issue of puppy farming in my constituency in the Chamber before. I am interested to know what level of council engagement has taken place on Lucy's law. Councils seem to be a turning a blind eye to it slightly. Lucy's law gives an opportunity to limit premises to one breeding licence.

Mr Speaker

Come to your question, please.

Mrs Erskine

What level of council engagement is happening?

Mr Muir

There are two aspects to your question. If you are aware of any concerns about council engagement, you can bring them to me and I will engage constructively with the councils on them. Stakeholder engagement on the reform of animal welfare legislation will include the councils, because they are key partners in it. I will wish to discuss dog-breeding establishments at our forthcoming meeting.

Ms Á Murphy

As the Minister is aware, a recent investigation by Victoria Johnston of 'The Impartial Reporter' highlighted a number of loopholes in the current dog-breeding establishment legislation. Will the Minister consider undertaking a fundamental review of existing legislation on dog-breeding establishments?

Mr Muir

I read 'The Impartial Reporter' investigation and am aware of the reports and concerns. The issue is on my mind and is of great concern to me. When we get together with those stakeholders soon, that issue will be on the agenda. I get the public concern, because I share it. I want to look at what more we can do in that area.