To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any steps being taken to enhance collaboration with local councils and animal welfare organisations to identify and shut down illegal puppy farms.

My Department maintains regular engagement with councils, by liaising with members of the Northern Ireland Dog Advisory Council and through councils participation in the Paws for Thought initiative, which aims to tackle the breeding and trafficking of low welfare pups. Officials also maintain contact with the Northern Ireland Companion Animal Welfare Group (NICAWG) and I would encourage all animal welfare organisations are to report any evidence of illegal breeding to the relevant local council for investigation.