The issue of licensed dog breeding establishments in Fermanagh is of “great concern” to Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir.

The Minister was speaking during a debate on Lucy’s Law in the chamber of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Áine Murphy highlighted the investigation by this newspaper in the chamber on Monday afternoon as she called on DAERA Minister Andrew Muir to “consider undertaking a fundamental review of existing legislation on dog-breeding establishments”.  Minister Muir responded: “I read 'The Impartial Reporter' investigation and am aware of the reports and concerns. The issue is on my mind and is of great concern to me. When we get together with those stakeholders soon, that issue will be on the agenda.”

He added: “ I get the public concern because I share it. I want to look at what more we can do in that area.”

The Minister was speaking on a motion from party colleague John Blair on Lucy’s Law.  He said: “I remain committed to introducing legislation to regulate third-party sales of pups and kittens in Northern Ireland. I expect to be in a position to announce policy proposals by the end of this year along with a number of other key proposals, which I am confident will deliver improvements to the lives of companion animals.”

Detailing one option on the table, the DAERA Minister said: “One such option is measures that go beyond a prohibition on third-party sellers. It is my desire that any legislation introduced in this space will generate greater transparency and accountability in the marketplace by enabling purchasers to identify where a pet has come from. I am minded to bring forward further measures to improve animal welfare in Northern Ireland. Any proposals that I bring forward will, of course, be subject to public consultation.”

Democratic Unionist MLA Deborah Erskine spoke on the issue, which she has done before and said: “I am interested to know what level of council engagement has taken place on Lucy's law. Councils seem to be turning a blind eye to it slightly. Lucy's law gives an opportunity to limit premises to one breeding licence.

“What level of council engagement is happening?”

In response, the Minister said: “There are two aspects to your question. If you are aware of any concerns about council engagement, you can bring them to me and I will engage constructively with the councils on them.  “Stakeholder engagement on the reform of animal welfare legislation will include the councils because they are key partners in it. I will wish to discuss dog-breeding establishments at our forthcoming meeting.”