Puppies look forward to Christmas in their new homes as Minister Muir reminds the public: a pet is for life, not just for Christmas
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Members of the public have been urged by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir to paws for thought before purchasing a pet this Christmas.
The Minister has today appealed to the public to think carefully before choosing a pet as a present for a loved one.
The story of ten smuggled cockapoos discovered at Belfast Harbour in February and successfully rehomed by Almost Home Animal Sanctuary near Moira, Co Down highlights the importance of ensuring pups are sourced from responsible breeders.
The ten cockapoo puppies, which were in the process of being trafficked through Belfast Port, were prevented from onward transmission following action involving Harbour Police, Stena Ferry staff, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Portal staff, and Belfast City Council dog wardens.
This 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.
The puppies received immediate care and medical attention at Almost Home Animal Sanctuary, including necessary vaccinations, before being successfully rehomed. In a recent reunion with some of the puppies and their new families, Almost Home confirmed that all the cockapoos have settled well and are thriving in their permanent homes.
Commenting, Minister Muir said: "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. 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: "It is incredibly rewarding to see such a positive outcome for the cockapoos rescued in February and to witness effective cooperation between all agencies involved.
"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. Posters at Larne and Belfast ports provide details on how members of the public can report concerns. Similarly, suspicions about illegal breeding should be reported to the local council's Animal Welfare Service.
For more information visit, Paws for Thought.
