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01/11/2022
Alliances Calls For More To Be Done For Animal Welfare
Alliance has called for more to be done for animal welfare in Northern Ireland, with Animal Welfare spokesperson Patrick Brown raising concerns that charities are under increasing pressure due to rising costs and lack of effective legislation.
The South Down MLA made the comments following a recent visit to the Cats Protection charity's Adoption Centre in Belfast. The centre has seen its waiting list to take in new cats grow substantially.
Brown continued: "Cat's Protection is doing wonderful work. Currently they have over 250 cats on their waiting list, with a growing number being abandoned or brought to the adoption centre by owners that simply can't afford to care for them due to the cost of living crisis.
"As an organisation they don't receive any financial support from local authorities or government bodies and instead rely on donations. The cost of living crisis is having a direct impact on people, which in turn is affecting pets. Many people simply can't afford food, insurance, vets bills and everything else that goes with caring for an animal. This is yet another reason we need an Executive and Assembly back up and running to get further support to people that need it.
"I support introducing new legislation which will help Cats Protection and other animal welfare organisations. At a minimum I want to see Lucy's Law introduced to ban the commercial third-party sale of puppies and kittens. Alliance also supports the calls for compulsory microchipping of pet cats to be introduced in Northern Ireland, which is already in place for dogs.
"We also need to deal with the increasing problem of large scale animal breeding operations through legislation, properly funding our Councils to help enforce regulations and encouraging better information sharing between councils, charities and other statutory organisations."
The South Down MLA made the comments following a recent visit to the Cats Protection charity's Adoption Centre in Belfast. The centre has seen its waiting list to take in new cats grow substantially.
Brown continued: "Cat's Protection is doing wonderful work. Currently they have over 250 cats on their waiting list, with a growing number being abandoned or brought to the adoption centre by owners that simply can't afford to care for them due to the cost of living crisis.
"As an organisation they don't receive any financial support from local authorities or government bodies and instead rely on donations. The cost of living crisis is having a direct impact on people, which in turn is affecting pets. Many people simply can't afford food, insurance, vets bills and everything else that goes with caring for an animal. This is yet another reason we need an Executive and Assembly back up and running to get further support to people that need it.
"I support introducing new legislation which will help Cats Protection and other animal welfare organisations. At a minimum I want to see Lucy's Law introduced to ban the commercial third-party sale of puppies and kittens. Alliance also supports the calls for compulsory microchipping of pet cats to be introduced in Northern Ireland, which is already in place for dogs.
"We also need to deal with the increasing problem of large scale animal breeding operations through legislation, properly funding our Councils to help enforce regulations and encouraging better information sharing between councils, charities and other statutory organisations."
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USPCA calls on Assembly to consider crossbow regulation
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USPCA calls on Assembly to consider crossbow regulation
The USPCA has called on the Assembly to take action on the issue of crossbows following what the animal welfare organisation described as an "appalling" attack on a horse. The Clydesdale horse was found with a metal bolt lodged in its jaw, having been grazing on the Creggan estate when it was attacked.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
