24/02/2026

Urgent Appeal Over Post-Christmas 'Pet Regret'

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) have issued a joint appeal to pet owners struggling with "post-Christmas pet regret."
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The organisations are urging the public to consider the legal and moral weight of their responsibilities rather than abandoning animals as the initial excitement of the festive season fades.

Latest Northern Ireland News

24 February 2026
Urgent Appeal Over Post-Christmas 'Pet Regret'
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) have issued a joint appeal to pet owners struggling with "post-Christmas pet regret.
24 February 2026
Lower Uniform Costs As New Statutory Guidelines Now Law
Education Minister Paul Givan has officially marked the commencement of the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026, confirming that the legislation has received Royal Assent and is now in operation.
24 February 2026
DoJ To Consider Maximum Sentence For Causing Death Of A Child
The Department of Justice is weighing up its next move regarding a proposal to increase the maximum penalty for the offence of causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die to life imprisonment.
24 February 2026
Belfast Celebrates St Patrick's Day With 17-Day Programme
Belfast is set to be the centre of celebrations this March as the city hosts a massive 17-day programme to mark St Patrick's Day. From traditional music festivals and athletic races to the cornerstone annual parade, the schedule offers a diverse range of activities for residents and visitors alike.
24 February 2026
Police Excellence Celebrated At Annual 2026 Problem Solving Awards
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), in partnership with the Northern Ireland Policing Board, has honoured outstanding examples of community-focused policing at the 2026 Problem Solving Awards.
24 February 2026
Two Charged Following Major Drugs And Cash Seizure In Carrickfergus
A 39-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman are due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court today, Tuesday 24 February, following a significant police operation that began in Carrickfergus. The arrests occurred shortly after 2am on Monday 23 February, when a police patrol approached a parked car in a car park in the Marine Highway area.
24 February 2026
Three Local Residents Named Following Fatal Collision In Moy
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has released the names of three individuals who tragically lost their lives following a serious three-vehicle collision in the Armagh Road area of Moy on the evening of Saturday, 21 February.
24 February 2026
Alliance MLA Proposes Repeal of Blasphemy Laws
Alliance Justice spokesperson Connie Egan MLA has moved to repeal common law blasphemy offences in Northern Ireland by submitting an amendment to Minister Naomi Long's Justice Bill. The North Down MLA highlighted that Northern Ireland remains the only jurisdiction across these islands to still hold these 1800s-era offences on the statute books.
24 February 2026
Dedicated Service Launched For NI's Armed Forces Community
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has unveiled a new dedicated advice service specifically designed for the Armed Forces community in Northern Ireland. The initiative aims to remove barriers for serving personnel, veterans, and their families when navigating complex government systems such as housing and welfare benefits.
24 February 2026
£320,000 Resurfacing Project Begins At Lincoln Courts
Residents and commuters in Derry's Waterside are being advised of upcoming travel changes as a £320,000 resurfacing project at Lincoln Courts got underway on Monday 24 February.