AQW 21708/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 08/07/2021
Answered On Date: 27/07/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what guidance his Department has issued in relation to (i) purchasing; and (ii) caring for a puppy.

Answer:

My Department has published a guide on buying and caring for a puppy. The guide also provides advice to owners on how to care for their new puppy and their legal obligations as dog owners. It has been shared with the Education Authority for use as an educational resource in schools.

The guide has been supplemented by a Departmental leaflet which provides tips to help members of the public identify if the puppy they are purchasing has been bred responsibly. Both the guide and the leaflet are available on my Department’s website. They are also promoted by my Department on social media platforms as part of the multi-agency ‘Paws for Thought’ initiative which aims to raise awareness on responsible dog purchasing and illegal dog breeding.