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Lucy's Law approved in Northern Ireland to target illegal puppy and kitten trade
Overview
Northern Ireland has approved legislation known as Lucy's Law, making third-party puppy and kitten sales illegal by the end of the year to tackle the illegal puppy trade. While supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) and several animal organisations as a major step forward, some rescue workers and charities argue that the measures do not go far enough because they omit a comprehensive breeding register and fail to address cross-border sales.
Key points
- Lucy's Law has been approved in Northern Ireland and is expected to be enacted by the end of the year.
- The legislation bans third-party commercial sales, requiring buyers to meet breeders face-to-face where the animal was bred.
- Daera Minister Andrew Muir described the regulations as a major step to disrupt dealer chains and increase transparency.
- Some animal charities and rescue workers argue the law leaves gaps, noting the absence of a universal breeding sale and supply register.
- In Northern Ireland, breeding licences are required under specific conditions, such as keeping three or more breeding bitches or producing three or more litters in a 12-month period.