To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail a timeline for the laying of legislation on the sale and supply of puppies and kittens.

My officials are currently drafting the necessary legislation to provide for the new requirements for sale and supply of puppies and kittens in Northern Ireland.

It is important that local councils, which will be legally responsible for enforcing the legislation, have sufficient opportunity to prepare for implementing the new requirements. Officials therefore continue to engage with councils and remain open to their input to ensure the legislation can be executed as intended. This work will help inform appropriate timelines.

I remain committed to introducing legislation to protect puppies and kittens for sale in Northern Ireland, at the earliest opportunity.