To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs if her Department has plans to review legislation surrounding the advertisement and sale of pets.

I recognise that the advertising of animals for sale on the internet is a perfectly legitimate way to attract buyers, and that it is being used increasingly for farm animals in a number of countries as well as for pets and companion animals.

A range of legislation exists to protect the welfare of animals, to ensure responsible ownership and to protect the public. For example, the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 and the Dogs Order (NI) 1983 (as amended).

My Department plans to review the legislation governing the welfare of animals in petshops, and in animal boarding, riding and zoological establishments, in advance of the transfer of responsibility for licensing these premises to Councils. This review will also consider the evidence and views on online pet sales submitted during the consultation on the Review of the Implementation of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011. Such issues include the selling of pets from premises that are not traditionally recognised as petshops, and raising awareness about the minimum standards for online sales introduced by the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG).

PAAG was created in 2001 to combat the growing concern amongst animal welfare organisations regarding the irresponsible advertising of pets. It brings together a variety of interested partners including Defra, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Cats Protection and the British Veterinary Association. Since PAAG introduced its minimum standards for online pet advertising in 2013 over 130,000 inappropriate adverts selling pets have been removed from different websites.

The Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group (IPAAG) is made up of representatives from Ireland’s leading animal welfare groups such as Dogs Trust, ISPCA and the Donkey Sanctuary, the veterinary profession and the online retail sector. Its work closely mirrors that of PAAG.

As a member of both PAAG and IPAAG, my Department works with both organisations to promote better self-regulation by online sites that advertise pets. Officials attend regular meetings of both organisations and have ongoing interaction with PAAG and IPAAG members