ILLEGAL MOVEMENT of dogs through Northern Ireland will not be tolerated – that was the message from the country's agricultural minister, Michelle McIlveen, after a joint initiative prevented over 30 puppies being illegally sent out of Northern Ireland to Scotland, England, Wales, and further afield.

Mounted at the Larne and Belfast ports, the joint operation, which was run between the department, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Belfast City Council, randomly stopped over 700 cars and commercial vehicles, arriving at both the Belfast and Larne ports, which resulted in over 30 young dogs being seized.

The random stops focused on the welfare of animals during transport, the identification of animals and the licensing and registration of dog breeding establishments, and, in the case of dogs moving from the Republic of Ireland, checks were also made on compliance with the Pet Travel Scheme and relevant trade requirements.

Miss McIlveen commented: “The very productive joint working initiative between council animal welfare officers and my department’s portal inspectors at Belfast and Larne ports resulted in several hundred vehicles being checked and over 30 pups being either prevented from travelling or surrendered at the ports.

"This sends out a clear message that enforcement bodies will take whatever action necessary to ensure that the welfare of animals is protected, that illegal movement will not be tolerated and that legislative requirements are met.”

In instances where animals were seized, the consignments were either required to return to their premises of origin, or voluntarily surrendered to Animal Welfare Officers for rehoming.

Miss McIlveen added: “I understand that a number of investigations are underway and information gathered will be shared with enforcement bodies in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, to provide ongoing intelligence across all enforcement bodies and agencies to tackle illegal puppy trade.

“Legislation alone will not stop illegal puppy farming," she added. "This will take a concerted effort by members of the public and enforcement agencies working together to identify breeders who put financial gain before the welfare needs of their dogs and pups.

"I would encourage anyone with specific evidence of an illegal breeding establishment to provide this to Councils to allow enforcement action to be taken.”

Anyone who may have information on the illegal movement of puppies, or an illegal breeding establishment, can contact relevant authorities via contact details on the DAERA website at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/introduction-animal-welfare