MLA visits Dog's Trust - and attends Cats Protection league manifesto launch event

SOUTH ANTRIM MLA John Blair visited Dogs Trust's Rehoming Centre in Ballymena this week, accompanied by Heather Weir, CEO of the USPCA.

Mr Blair is the Chair of the Northern Ireland Assembly All-Party Group on Animal Welfare.

The visit included a tour of the facility and discussions on breeding regulations and responsible pet ownership.

Blair said: “As Chair of the Northern Ireland Assembly All-Party Group on Animal Welfare, I was pleased to revisit the Dogs Trust’s Rehoming Centre in Ballymena to see the recent developments since my last visit.

“The new features include a dedicated puppy unit, off-lead exercise areas, and upgraded veterinary facilities. They have also increased their efforts to reduce their environmental impact through solar panels and dog waste recycling measures.

“The visit also provided opportunities to discuss important topics like breeding standards, rehoming policies, and responsible ownership. As Christmas approaches, I want to remind everyone that a dog is for life, not just for the holiday.

“Prospective dog owners should carefully consider whether they can meet the lifelong responsibilities involved in caring for a dog. Dogs bring joy and companionship, and those able to give a loving home are encouraged to do so.

“I am grateful that the Alliance Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir, is actively advancing many of the issues discussed through his Animal Welfare Pathway. The All-Party Group plans to seek an update from the Minister on the progress of this Pathway in the coming months.

“I wish to thank Heather Weir of the USPCA for joining the visit and extend my gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Dogs Trust Ballymena. A special mention to Milo, the energetic and lovable beagle, who was certainly a highlight of the visit.

“I look forward to ongoing engagement with Dogs Trust through the All-Party Group to ensure animal welfare remains a priority."

Laura Orr, Dogs Trust’s Northern Ireland Public Affairs Officer added: “It was fantastic to welcome the Chair of the All-Party Group on Animal Welfare John Blair to Dogs Trust Ballymena.

“The continued work of the group to promote and protect animals is so valuable, and we are always grateful to have the opportunity to discuss important animal welfare issues, including regulation of rehoming and improved breeding regulations.”

Meanwhile, Mr Blair also attended an event hosted by Cats Protection in the Northern Ireland Assembly to explore the charity’s campaigning efforts to improve feline welfare across Northern Ireland.

Held on 18 November and sponsored by Robbie Butler MLA, the event showcased Cats Protection’s newly published Cat Manifesto Northern Ireland and called for stronger political support to enhance the lives of Northern Ireland’s cats and their owners.

With an estimated 250,000 pet cats living in homes across Northern Ireland, Cats Protection highlighted the importance of ensuring cat welfare is not overlooked in policy decisions.

The event aimed to raise awareness of the charity’s work and encourage MLAs to engage with Cats Protection’s network, helping to strengthen support for cats and their owners within communities.

Cats Protection’s Advocacy and Government Relations Manager Alice Palombo said: “It was so promising to see MLAs and other animal welfare organisations attend our reception to discuss our new manifesto.

“Many cats in Northern Ireland continue to be victims of cruelty, neglect and accidental harm, and we hope our campaigning efforts will ensure cats are not forgotten by policy decision makers.

“Northern Ireland is a nation of cat lovers, with many seeing cats as part of the family.

“Whether a cat is a pet, stray or feral, more needs to be done to help them live better lives. It was wonderful to welcome MLAs who were keen to find out how they can support cats and the people who care about them.”

The Cats Manifesto Northern Ireland calls on decision makers to take action across five key areas, covering an age limit on the sale of kittens, restrictions on digital sales, breeding licences, ending cruelty, compulsory microchipping and restrictions on fireworks, labelling toxic products and banning the sale of snares, glue traps and electric devices.

Mr Blair said: “As Chair of the All-Party Group on Animal Welfare, I was delighted to be part of this important event hosted by Cats Protection.

“It was fantastic to see so many attendees, all clearly passionate about the welfare of cats in Northern Ireland.

“I would like to thank Cats Protection for their continued efforts in championing feline welfare and for organising such a valuable event.

“I was pleased to attend alongside

the Alliance Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir MLA, and my Alliance colleague, Stewart Dickson MLA.

“I am grateful that the Alliance Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister is

working at pace to deliver on his Animal Welfare Pathway, which includes many of the asks within the Cats Protection manifesto.

“These include important measures

such as banning third-party sales of cats and ensuring mandatory microchipping.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Cats Protection through the All-Party Group on Animal Welfare, supporting their vital work to improve the lives of cats and their owners across Northern Ireland.”

To find out more about Cats Protection’s campaigning work and download the full Cats Manifesto Northern Ireland, visit: cats.org.uk/manifesto-ni