To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of how increases in puppy farming have contributed to animal welfare case numbers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Northern Ireland it is the local councils who are responsible for the welfare of companion animals, and for the regulation of dog breeding, including by investigating and prosecuting illegal breeders.

Data collated by my officials from the councils suggests that there was a reduction in the number of companion animal welfare complaints recorded by local councils between 2019 and 2020. This data relates to all companion animals, including dogs.

My Department has also no evidence to suggest that there has been an increase in puppy farming in Northern Ireland since the start of the pandemic; however it continues to work closely with a range of statutory bodies, including the local councils and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, to address the issue of illegal breeding.