Minister urges ‘paws’ for thought before purchasing a pet for Christmas

A Stormont minister has urged the public to “paws” for thought before buying a pet to gift for Christmas.

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) Minister Andrew Muir was speaking after 10 smuggled cockapoo puppies were rescued at Belfast Harbour earlier this year.

The young dogs had been in the process of being trafficked through the Northern Ireland capital.

They have since been cared for and successfully rehomed by Almost Home Animal Sanctuary near Moira, Co Down.

The 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.

Mr Muir said he urged people to think carefully about a pet as a Christmas present, and to watch out for red flags with breeders.

“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,” he said.

“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 the trafficking of puppies often increases around Christmas,

“It is incredibly rewarding to see such a positive outcome for the cockapoos rescued in February and to witness effective co-operation between all agencies involved,” they said.

“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.