Alliance Welcomes Consultation On "Lucy's Law"

John Blair MLA, Alliance’s Animal Welfare spokesperson, has voiced his strong support for DAERA Minister Andrew Muir's recent announcement of a public consultation on proposals to regulate the selling and supplying of puppies and kittens in Northern Ireland.

Minister Muir's unveiled proposals include implementing a version of "Lucy’s Law," which prohibits the third-party sale of puppies and kittens. Additionally, the plans introduce new registration requirements designed to enhance traceability and transparency, allowing the public to clearly identify the source and origin of any purchased puppy or kitten.

Mr Blair commented: "It has been five years since Lucy’s Law came into effect in England. This legislation aims to ensure animals are sold directly from their birthplace, thus banning third-party sales from puppy farms, pet shops, or online retailers."

As Chair of the All-Party Group (APG) on Animal Welfare, Mr Blair noted the consistent push for Lucy’s Law, or a strengthened version of it, in Northern Ireland. "It’s evident we are falling behind the rest of the UK, which has already made progress in banning large-scale breeding of these animals, ensuring they are no longer regarded as mere commodities," he stated.

Blair condemned the conditions in unethical breeding facilities: "These breeding facilities inflict unimaginable cruelty on animals in appalling conditions. Mothers are made to breed continuously until they are ultimately discarded, with puppies and kittens forcibly taken from them and sold. Families and individuals acquire these puppies and kittens under the mistaken belief they are well-bred and healthy. It is imperative to finally end these unethical breeding operations that prioritise profit over animal welfare."

He expressed his satisfaction that Alliance DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has launched this consultation to gather public views on these proposals. Blair highlighted that this consultation is a crucial step in the Minister's broader Animal Welfare Pathway, which was introduced last month to enhance animal welfare standards across Northern Ireland.

"Alliance is determined to not only align Northern Ireland with other regions but also to set a higher standard for animal welfare. I look forward to the results of the consultation and urge anyone interested in this matter to participate," Mr Blair concluded.

Sinn Féin Call For Deeper EU Ties And Irish Unity To Repair Brexit Damage

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has asserted that the optimal future for all residents on the island of Ireland involves repairing the damage inflicted by Brexit through a deepening of relations with the European Union and the achievement of Irish unity via a democratic referendum under the Good Friday Agreement.

The party's National Chairperson made his comments following an Assembly motion debating a 'European future for the north'.

"Sinn Féin welcomes the engagement of the European Union and the British government in developing a new relationship. However, we will be waiting to see the details of what is agreed in the months ahead, and crucially, what it means for the north," Mr. Kearney stated. He emphasised that any meaningful outcome must confront the ongoing and devastating impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland and safeguard the all-island economy, describing Brexit as "an economic, political, and constitutional game-changer for Ireland."

Mr. Kearney noted that while the Windsor Framework has attempted to shield local businesses, workers, and families from the worst effects of Brexit, he believes the best option for all on the island is full EU membership.

He reiterated Sinn Féin's calls for "observer status for northern representatives in the European Parliament, direct engagement between the European Commission with our political institutions here and our officials, and an EU office in the north to support implementation and political connection."

Kearney also commended the work of Sinn Féin MEPs Lynn Boylan and Kathleen Funchion, who he said "continue to advance Irish national interests in Europe, including representing citizens in the north," through their service on vital committees such as international trade, environment and climate, employment, and regional development. He specifically mentioned Lynn Boylan's role as Chair of the "European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Palestine."

"Our party remains focused on undoing the economic and political damage caused by Brexit, deepening relations with the EU, and ultimately delivering Irish unity and a new constitutional future that restores our place in the European Union," Mr. Kearney concluded. "Ultimately, the best future for all who live on this island lies in repairing the damage caused by Brexit through deepening EU relations and securing Irish unity with a democratic referendum under the Good Friday Agreement."

Cllr Leah Kirkpatrick Makes Named Antrim And Newtownabbey's First Female Mayor

Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick has made history as the first-ever female Mayor for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. The Ulster Unionist councillor, who has represented the Botanic area since 2019, will take up the role for the 2025/26 term. Her appointment marks a significant milestone, as all ten previous mayors since the council's formation in 2015 have been male.

In her inaugural address, Mayor Kirkpatrick expressed her immense honour and pledged to ensure that "no-one is left behind" in Belfast's ongoing development. She aims to foster a city where everyone feels part of the changes and can fulfil their potential. A key focus for her term will be supporting young people who are not in employment, education, or training, by breaking down barriers and connecting them to emerging job opportunities, particularly in innovation and technology.

Alderman Mark Cosgrove, who nominated her, lauded Kirkpatrick's dedication to inclusivity, drawing on her own lived experiences, including her eldest daughter's autism diagnosis, to advocate for improved support for those with disabilities and their carers. He praised her as a "real working-class hero" whose journey from a self-doubting teenager to the first female Mayor should inspire young people from all backgrounds to believe in what they can achieve.

Ulster Unionist South Antrim MLA, Steve Aiken OBE, echoed these sentiments, highlighting Mayor Kirkpatrick's tireless work for all residents and her wealth of experience as a constituency manager. He expressed confidence that she will be an outstanding ambassador for the Borough and an inspiration for future local representatives, particularly given her historic achievement.