Swann welcomes movement on ‘Lucy’s Law’ but warns cross-border loophole remains

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 legislation if not addressed.

In a written response to Mr Swann’s concerns, the Minister confirmed his intention to legislate for a local version of ‘Lucy’s Law’. The proposed changes would require all sellers to register with their local council, breed the animals themselves, and complete sales at their own registered address.

A Long-Awaited Shift in Animal Welfare Law

For years, Northern Ireland has lacked equivalent protections to those already in place elsewhere in the UK. The absence of a local Lucy’s Law has, according to Mr Swann, left the region “out of step” and open to exploitation.

Commenting on the Minister’s response, Mr Swann said:

“The Minister’s confirmation that Northern Ireland will finally move to ban the third-party sale of puppies and kittens is a very welcome step. The lack of a local ‘Lucy’s Law’ has left us out of step with the rest of the UK and provided a cover for improper breeding practices.”

The proposed legislation aims to close off third-party sales within Northern Ireland, a move designed to increase traceability and accountability by ensuring animals are sold directly by the breeder.

Concerns Over Sales in England

Despite welcoming the direction of travel, Mr Swann has raised concerns about what happens once animals leave Northern Ireland.

Under current regulations, puppies bred in Northern Ireland can still be transported and sold in England by third parties, provided the seller holds a breeding licence for premises in Northern Ireland.

Mr Swann warned:

“I remain, however, deeply concerned by the ‘grey area’ that exists when animals leave our Northern Ireland. The Minister has made that the proposed legislation will not extend to animals once they are outside Northern Ireland. This means that high-volume breeding for onward sale in England remains a viable, legal route for those looking to circumvent this new law.”

His intervention highlights a potential cross-jurisdictional gap — where breeders operating within Northern Ireland’s licensing system could legally supply animals for third-party sale elsewhere in the UK.

Call for Joined-Up Enforcement

Mr Swann has called for closer coordination with authorities in Great Britain to prevent Northern Ireland-bred puppies being used to bypass welfare standards in other regions.

“While I appreciate the Minister’s focus on local registration, we need a more robust, joined-up approach with authorities in Great Britain to ensure that Northern Ireland-bred puppies aren’t being used to bypass welfare standards elsewhere.”

Looking ahead, he said:

“I look forward to the upcoming report from the Expert Advisory Group in April. I will continue to press the Department to ensure that our welfare standards are enforceable in practice.”

With legislation now promised, attention is shifting from policy commitment to practical enforcement — and whether Northern Ireland’s version of Lucy’s Law can fully close the door on exploitative breeding practices.