STRANGFORD MLA Kellie Armstrong has been reappointed secretary of Stormont’s all-party group at Stormont on animal welfare.
The cross-party group — whose vice-chairman is South Down MLA Patrick Brown — was recently reconstituted and is dedicated to the advancement of animal welfare in Northern Ireland.
Looking ahead to the next five years, new and existing group members noted their commitment to addressing key deficits in current legislation, with the aim of creating a society where animals are respected and free from unnecessary suffering.
The group’s first meeting was held last week when members outlined their priorities which include the introduction of a Bill to ban hunting wild mammals with dogs, the need for enhanced regulation of the puppy trade, updating animal business licensing regulations and advancing the establishment of a banned offenders register.
Mrs Armstrong said she is delighted to again be part of the all-party group and is particularly pleased that her party colleague, John Blair, is continuing his role as chairman.
“We have a lot of work to do to protect animals from cruel practices,” she said. “We have a great team and amazing partners that all share the same objective, improving the welfare of animals.”
USPCA chief executive, Brendan Mullan, said the Stormont group has been instrumental in fostering increased levels of discussion on key animal welfare issues within the Assembly, with the organisation greatly encouraged by the work it has carried out in the last year and a half.
But he said that unfortunately, Northern Ireland is lagging significantly behind other regions in terms of the protections afforded to animals under law, explaining that shockingly, in some instances, this is by as much as 20 years.
“In this Stormont mandate, our political representatives have a fresh opportunity to close this gap and the first crucial step will be making meaningful progress on the priorities as outlined by the all party group,” continued Mr Mullan.
“Northern Ireland is proudly the home to many animal lovers who share our passion in safeguarding some of the most vulnerable members of our communities and it’s important to note that the all-party group is a critical forum for MLAs to raise emerging issues that are important to both them and their constituents. We look forward to working with all members in the months ahead.”