To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline the work he is doing to improve welfare for companion animals.

In May, I published my Animal Welfare Pathway, which is represents the most ambitious package of reforms for this area for over a decade. This includes several key initiatives which have the potential to transform companion animal welfare, including: a review of dog breeding and canine fertility services; regulation of the sale and supply of pups and kittens; and consideration of issues associated with a ban on aversive training devices.

Over 480 responses were received to my consultation document containing proposals to regulate of the supply and sale of pups and kittens, which also outlined my aspiration to ban third party sellers.

My officials are continuing to analyse the submissions received and I hope to be able to publish a formal consultation response soon, which I will use to set out my final way forward.

An expert advisory group has been established to review the operation of the current dog breeding regulations here and examine the provision of canine fertility services. Work is well underway, and I understand that the group has been gathering evidence and has met with a wide range of stakeholders.

Finally, my officials have commenced initial policy development work on the remaining reforms in the pathway and have been examining the case for mandatory microchipping of cats, regulation of rescue and rehoming organisations and exploring potential changes to the operation of the current animal boarding regulations. While this work is in an early phase, I still hope to be in a position to initiate a public consultation on all these topics around the end of this year.

These actions demonstrate my ongoing commitment to strengthening protections for companion animals across Northern Ireland.