Urgent Action Needed To Tackle 'Badger Baiting' - Alliance

Speaking at a launch event for a USPCA report into 'badger baiting' in Northern Ireland, Alliance Agriculture Spokesperson John Blair MLA said urgent, wide-reaching action is needed to tackle this practice and see perpetrators face the full extent of the law.

According to latest operational statistics for 2019-21, there are only 32 suggested badger baiting offences on record, which is suspected to vastly understate the genuine scale of the practice in Northern Ireland.

It's reported that, according to statistics from the Department of Justice, there have only been 11 prosecutions relating to killing or injuring wild animals in Northern Ireland since 2011.

"Badger baiting, as well as the general hunting of wild animals with dogs, are barbarically cruel and inhumane practices, and we must see much more done to combat their remaining presence in NI," said Mr Blair.

"I'd like to extend my thanks to the USPCA for once again using their resources, expertise, and platform to highlight the scourge of cruelty against defenceless animals, with the creation of this hard-hitting but necessary report. Their dedication to the cause is tireless and inspiring.

"I give my full and unequivocal support to the recommendations set out in this report. With the extremely low rate of convictions we’re seeing in this area, I’d echo their call for increased PSNI investigative capacity, but argue we’d also benefit from a multi-agency task force with representatives from DAERA to assist in seeking convictions.

"It's incredibly frustrating, however, that no actual action can be taken from these recommendations whilst the institutions remain in a state of collapse, and this is yet another example of the impact felt from the DUP’s continuing boycott.

"We need ministerial direction and proper scrutiny, but until Stormont is restored I want to give my assurances that the cross-party Assembly All Party Group on Animal Welfare will discuss what actions to take from this report as soon as it is able."

Concerns Raised Over Potential Cuts To Community Transport

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has requested an urgent meeting with the Department for Infrastructure over concerns of potential cuts to Community Transport.

The Newry and Armagh MLA said: "Sinn Féin is deeply concerned about the funding situation for Community Transport following the Department for Infrastructure’s decision to only extend funding for one month.

"Community transport provides an invaluable vital service to older people, those with disabilities, as well as the most isolated and vulnerable communities right across the north.

"It helps tackle social isolation, connect people to their communities and helps facilitate essential Hospital and GP visits. In my own area I can attest to Community Transports crucial service they provide for rural communities.

"The benefits this service brings cannot be overstated.

"Sinn Féin has requested an urgent meeting with the Department for Infrastructure urging them not to cut fun"Community Transport is a lifeline for so many people. It is very important that this service is protected."

Serious Concerns Raised Over Winter Services Budget

SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has expressed serious concern that budgetary pressures is impacting the delivery of winter services.

In response to a Freedom of Information request (FOI) submitted by Mr Durkan, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) detailed that the winter service expenditure has been slashed from £9.7million in 2017/18 to £6.6million in 2021/22.

In a statement the department urged road users to exercise extreme caution and to expect disruption to gritting services as strike action over pay structure and productivity bonuses for road maintenance workers continues.

Speaking following a Met Office yellow warning for ice and snow across Northern Ireland, Mr Durkan said: "It is glaringly obvious that budget pressures are severely limiting the department’s ability to respond to the demand for winter services. Allocations have been slashed drastically within a five-year period resulting in a depletion not only of material resources but of crews on the ground. This applies right across the board, affecting not just winter services but pothole repairs, resurfacing works and road safety measures to name a few.

"It's ludicrous that the department has expected road maintenance staff to meet rising demand on diminishing resources. DfI are increasingly relying on contractors to get work done, yet maintenance workers aren’t being properly valued. Striking workers have my full solidarity, their current pay is nowhere near sufficient amid rising costs and I’ve written to the Permanent Secretary asking for urgent reform of current pay structures."