To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) for his assessment of current levels of animal cruelty; and (ii) what changes have been observed in the number, severity and type of incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There was a decrease in the number of animal welfare complaints received by my Department, local councils and the Police Service of Northern Ireland in 2019 when compared with previous years.

My Department is currently gathering data in respect of animal welfare complaints received in 2020. At this juncture, it has no evidence to suggest that incidents of animal cruelty have risen significantly during the pandemic or that there has been any substantial change the nature or severity of any incidents investigated.