Muir announces ‘Lucy’s Law’ for Northern Ireland as DAERA moves to ban third-party puppy and kitten sales

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, including a ban on third-party sales under a local version of Lucy’s Law.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published its Way Forward document and consultation responses, confirming legislation will now be progressed to strengthen animal welfare protections across Northern Ireland.

The proposed legislation will require sellers and suppliers of puppies, and sellers of kittens under six months of age, to register with their local council and comply with specified conditions.

A key condition will be the introduction of ‘Lucy’s Law’, banning the third-party sale of puppies and kittens — meaning animals must be sold directly by the breeder.

Mandatory registration for puppy and kitten sellers

Under the proposals, anyone selling and supplying puppies, and anyone selling kittens under six months old in Northern Ireland, must register with their local council. Registered sellers and suppliers will be required to meet strict welfare conditions as part of their registration.

The ban on third-party sales aims to prevent animals being sold through dealers or pet shops where the breeder cannot be directly identified. Instead, prospective owners will purchase directly from the breeder, reducing the risk of early separation from the mother and improving oversight of breeding standards.

Minister Muir said:

“I am delighted to announce that Northern Ireland will soon have its own version of Lucy’s Law, ensuring that we are giving the same protections to puppies and kittens that exist in other parts of the UK.

“I want owners to have confidence that their new pets have been cared to the high standards of welfare that all animals deserve. This ban on the third-party sale of puppies and kittens, as well as accompanying mandatory registration for sellers and suppliers, will lead to better outcomes for the animals, reducing the risk of disease and improving socialisation and habituation.

“Purchasing directly from a breeder helps to avoid early separation from the mother, and ultimately, will see more puppies and kittens raised in responsible, caring environments.

“It is clear from the consultation that there is overwhelming support for this vital animal welfare intervention in our society, am I am grateful to those who took the time to respond to the consultation and voiced their views.

“I look forward to seeing this key commitment from my Animal Welfare Pathway 2025-27 delivered.”

Legislation expected this Autumn

The Minister confirmed that legislation is anticipated to be introduced this autumn. He has instructed officials to work closely with local councils, which are responsible for enforcing companion animal legislation, to ensure effective implementation.

The move is expected to bring Northern Ireland into alignment with other parts of the UK where Lucy’s Law is already in force.

The Minister concluded:

“It is anticipated that legislation will be made this autumn, and I have asked that my officials work closely with local councils, who play a vital role in the enforcement of legislation relating to companion animals, in planning for its effective implementation.

“Improving animal welfare is close to my heart as Minister and Lucy’s Law is about seeing more of our puppies and kittens being given the best start in life.”

Animal welfare groups welcome DAERA proposals

The proposals have been welcomed by animal welfare organisations, including the Northern Ireland Companion Animal Welfare Group (NICAWG).

Laura Orr, Regional Public Affairs Officer at Dogs Trust and Chair of Northern Ireland Companion Animal Welfare Group (NICAWG), said:

“We welcome DAERA’s proposals following the consultation on the sale and supply of puppies and kittens. NICAWG supports the recommendations, which will require sellers and suppliers of puppies, and sellers of kittens, under six months of age, to register with their local council and for a register of those sellers to be publicly accessible.

“We fully support this proposed ban on the third-party sale of puppies and kittens. Buying directly from breeders offers greater protection for the animals, and helps tackle irresponsible breeding and selling, which is something NICAWG have been campaigning on for many years.

“We believe robust implementation of the legislation across council areas will be critical, but will lead to improved animal welfare standards for companion animals in Northern Ireland, which is fantastic news.”

The Department’s Way Forward document and consultation responses are available on the DAERA website.