The Northern Ireland Companion Animal Welfare Group (NICAWG) has welcomed Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir’s commitment to considering the introduction of Lucy’s Law in the region, which would focus on banning third-party sales of kittens and puppies.

However, NICAWG emphasized that this should be only the first step, calling for further regulations to ensure cruelty-free breeding practices and the creation of a public register for legitimate breeders.

The group, whichh represents nine major animal welfare charities including the USPCA, Cats Protection, Dogs Trust, Assisi, Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary, and PDSA, expressed concern over the increasing number of large-scale breeding operations.

At a drop-in event at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, they discussed these issues with MLAs, with NICAWG Chairwoman Nora Smith stressing the need for stronger legal protections.

“We need better laws for companion animals in Northern Ireland,” she said. “Current regulations contain loopholes that allow unethical and illegal breeding of dogs and cats. Additionally, the rise in large-scale legal breeding establishments raises concerns about whether minimum animal welfare standards are truly being met.”

NICAWG also urged the public to adopt from rehoming organizations whenever possible and to support responsible breeding practices.