NEWS

William Irvine, UFU President, Richard King, The Andersons Centre, Ian Stevenson, NI Dairy Council, Colin Smith, LMC, Glenn Cuddy, UFU deputy president, and Michael Haverty, The Andersons Centre. Northern Ireland’s farming families are shouldering an estimated £96 million in indirect costs every year  as a result of bovine Tuberculosis, according to a landmark new independent report launched today, laying bare the scale of a crisis that continues to hit farm profitability, fa

A animal snare discovered at a riverside location where otters were found Northern Ireland is set to remain the only part of the UK without movement towards a ban on animal snares during the current Assembly mandate, after the Agriculture Minister confirmed there are no plans to bring forward legislation on the issue. The confirmation has prompted sharp criticism from South Antrim MP Robin Swann, who said the decision leaves Northern Ireland lagging behind the rest of the UK

Inset: South Antrim UUP MP Robin Swann A move to reduce the impact of fireworks on communities and animals has been welcomed as a “step in the right direction” by South Antrim MP Robin Swann , following a positive response from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. The council has confirmed it will now consider using silent or low-noise fireworks at future public events, after adopting a motion on the issue and reviewing its approach to event planning. Council commits to r

Police have issued an urgent appeal for information after two sheep were found dead in what is believed to be a deliberate act in the Glenarm area. Officers in Larne say the incident, reported on Tuesday, 17 March, has caused concern within the rural community, with early indications suggesting the animals were not killed by another animal but intentionally targeted. Describing the incident as “senseless and extremely cruel,” police are now seeking the public’s help to piece

As spring arrives this week, dog owners across Ballymena are being urged to stay alert — with a warning that some of the season’s most popular flowers could pose a serious risk to pets. Dogs Trust Ballymena  has issued a timely reminder ahead of Friday, 20 March, highlighting the hidden dangers lurking in gardens, parks and woodland areas as blooms begin to flourish. While longer days and warmer weather are a welcome change, the charity says common spring plants — including d

Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) farm in Hillsborough, and (inset) TUV Agriculture spokesperson Cllr Allister Kyle A political storm is intensifying around the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute  (AFBI) after verified whistleblower footage and mounting claims of “two-tier” enforcement prompted a senior TUV councillor to declare the Agriculture Minister’s position “untenable”. TUV Agriculture spokesperson Cllr Allister Kyle issued a scathing response following rep

The abandoned cat found in a pet carrier cable-tied to the gates of Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary A cat was discovered secured inside a carrier and cable-tied to the gates of Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary on Wednesday evening (25 February), prompting a renewed appeal from the charity about the risks of abandoning animals. The cat is now safe and receiving veterinary care, the sanctuary confirmed. However, the animal was not microchipped, making it impossible to trace an owner. Wh

USPCA Chief Executive Heather Weir with DAERA Minister Andrew Muir at the USPCA shelter in Newry. The festive glow may have faded, but for some animals across Northern Ireland, the fallout is only beginning. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) are urging the public to think twice before abandoning a pet in the wake of post-Christmas “pet regret”. Each year, once the excitement

Inset: South Antrim MP Robin Swann Northern Ireland is poised to finally introduce its own version of Lucy’s Law — but concerns remain that determined breeders could still sidestep the rules by selling animals across the water. South Antrim MP Robin Swann  has welcomed a commitment from Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir  to ban the third-party sale of puppies and kittens in Northern Ireland. However, he has warned that a “grey area” in current regulations could undermine the l

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has renewed its call for responsible dog ownership after new figures revealed that farm animals in Northern Ireland worth an estimated £152,000 were severely injured or killed in dog attacks during 2025. The warning comes ahead of the busy lambing season, a critical period for sheep farmers, when pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are particularly vulnerable. Figures released by NFU Mutual show a 30% decrease in the financial cost of livestock att

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir announces next steps towards introducing new rules on selling and supplying puppies and kittens in Northern Ireland. Minister Muir is pictured with Laura Orr and Adam Clowes from Dogs Trust, members of Northern Ireland Companion Animal Welfare Group (NICAWG). Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has announced the next steps towards introducing new rules on selling and supplying puppies and kittens in Northern Ireland, incl

Audry the spaniel from Dogs Trust Ballymena is seeking her loving forever home A 12-year-old Spaniel crossbreed is searching for a loving forever home this Valentine’s Day at Dogs Trust Ballymena , after being returned to the charity’s care due to a change in circumstances. Audry, described as a “sensational Spaniel” by staff, first came into the care of Dogs Trust Ballymena as a young pup in 2014 and was quickly adopted. After spending 11 years in a loving home, she was ret

Rescue dog Tyson, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was involved in a collision with a vehicle A senior rescue dog named Tyson is facing the loss of a leg after being struck by a car while straying in Ballymena, prompting an urgent fundraising appeal by local not-for-profit rescue The Half Way Dog House to cover his life-saving veterinary treatment. Tyson, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, is currently being held in a local pound and is expected to be released to The Half Way Dog Ho

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has backed a motion supporting the use of silent fireworks at council events and on council-owned property. The motion was proposed by Antrim DUP Councillor Paul Dunlop BEM at a meeting of the council in Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, on Monday evening. Cllr Dunlop asked the council to note the “negative impact” the noise of fireworks can have on children, pets and livestock, and called for a council-led campaign to raise awareness of

Siblings Christopher, Eeyore and Tigger, along with Robin (second left) was the first dog to be adopted from Dogs Trust Ballymena in 2026 Dogs Trust Ballymena has begun 2026 with renewed determination to help more dogs find loving, permanent homes, after successfully rehoming 455 dogs during 2025. With demand for kennel spaces remaining high, the charity is encouraging people from across Northern Ireland to visit its Ballymena rehoming centre, where there are currently 31 dog

Pet lovers across Northern Ireland are being invited to start the New Year on a high note as Barket, the much-loved market celebrating pets and their people, returns to The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim on Saturday 17 January 2026. Running from 11am to 4pm, the event promises a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, with over 50 stalls and exhibitors offering everything from gourmet dog treats and eco-friendly toys to bespoke collars and pet wellness products. Now f

As cold weather warnings are issued by the Met Office across Northern Ireland, Dogs Trust Ballymena has issued a stark warning to dog owners, urging them to keep their pets well away from frozen lakes, ponds and waterways. While many dogs enjoy swimming, the charity warns that familiar splash spots can become extremely dangerous during freezing conditions. Ice may appear solid, but in most cases it is not strong enough to support a dog’s weight. If it breaks, dogs can plunge

An understanding of the myostatin gene can help producers to make informed decisions about their suckler herd breeding programme. Growing discussion around myostatin genetics is influencing breeding decisions on farms across Northern Ireland, with producers urged to better understand how different gene mutations can impact profitability, animal welfare and labour demands. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) says improved awareness of myostatin can he

L-R: Junior Minister, Aisling Reilly MLA, joins Rosie’s Trust celebrity ambassador, James Nesbitt, and Chair, Aileen Martin, together with deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, at Parliament Buildings for a special celebration to mark the charity’s tenth anniversary. Rosie’s Trust, Northern Ireland’s only charity dedicated to caring for people by caring for their pets, has marked its tenth anniversary by honouring its longest-serving volunteers at a special celebration

Officers from Belfast Harbour Police with the rescued cockapoo puppies Ten cockapoo puppies rescued from an illegal smuggling operation at Belfast Harbour are now thriving in loving new homes, as DAERA Minister Andrew Muir urges the public to think carefully before buying a pet this Christmas. The puppies, discovered in February while being trafficked through Belfast Port, were intercepted following a multi-agency operation involving Harbour Police, Stena Ferry staff, DAERA P