Members of the public have been urged by DAERA Minister to paws for thought before
purchasing a pet this Christmas.
The Minister has today appealed to the public to think carefully
before choosing a pet as a present for a loved one.
The story of ten smuggled cockapoos discovered at Belfast Harbour
in February and successfully rehomed by Almost Home Animal
Sanctuary near Moira, Co Down highlights the importance of
ensuring pups are sourced from responsible breeders.
The ten cockapoo puppies, which were in the process of being
trafficked through Belfast Port, were prevented from onward
transmission following action involving Harbour Police, Stena
Ferry staff, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural
Affairs (DAERA) Portal staff, and Belfast City Council dog
wardens.
This successful intervention was undertaken as part of the
multi-agency Paws for Thought initiative, launched by DAERA in
2020, with the aim of disrupting the breeding and trafficking of
low welfare pups.
The puppies received immediate care and medical attention at
Almost Home Animal Sanctuary, including necessary vaccinations,
before being successfully rehomed. In a recent reunion with some
of the puppies and their new families, Almost Home confirmed that
all the cockapoos have settled well and are thriving in their
permanent homes.
Commenting, Minister Muir said: “This year's Christmas
appeal for Paws for Thought and my department's new social media
campaign underpins our determination to do all we can to stop
illegal dog breeding and puppy smuggling. I have seen first-hand
the work of several partner agencies, including port authorities,
councils and the PSNI in helping to detect illegal dog breeding
and puppy smuggling and I am grateful for their ongoing
commitment. The public's support is crucial in helping to stop
this cruel trade, and I would urge that any suspicious behaviour
is reported to the relevant authorities as soon as
possible.”
A spokesperson for the Paws for Thought Group, which includes
representatives from local councils, PSNI, Belfast Harbour
Police, Stena and P&O ferry companies, HMRC and DAERA, said:
“It is incredibly rewarding to see such a positive outcome for
the cockapoos rescued in February and to witness effective
cooperation between all agencies involved.
"All agencies are conscious that the trafficking of low welfare
puppies often increases around Christmas. We urge anyone using
the port during this period, to be alert and report anything
suspicious. Previous rescues have occurred thanks to the help of
the public reporting unusual noise or suspicious activity.”
Anyone who has information about suspicious activity at the ports
should report this to ferry company staff, police or DAERA
portal staff. Posters at Larne and Belfast ports provide details
on how members of the public can report concerns. Similarly,
suspicions about illegal breeding should be reported to the local
council's Animal Welfare Service.
For more information visit: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/paws-thought
Notes to editors:
- Under the Paws for Thought campaign, DAERA, councils, PSNI,
HMRC and ferry companies work together to detect, investigate,
and prosecute criminals involved in the illegal breeding and
trafficking of low welfare pups. Prospective owners should ensure
they do not inadvertently support this cruel trade as these
illegally bred pups are often kept in abhorrent conditions and
may suffer terribly with a range of health conditions.
- Causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, or failing to meet
its welfare requirements, constitutes a criminal offence. Upon
conviction on indictment, offenders may be subject to an
unlimited fine and imprisonment for up to five years; upon
summary conviction, the penalties may include up to twelve
months' imprisonment and a fine of up to £20,000.
- Anyone who has information on illegal breeding, abandonment
of pets or suffering being caused to pets should contact their
local council animal welfare officer. Contact details on NI
Direct. Animal welfare | nidirect
