SDLP MLA Cara Hunter appointed Chair of Stormont All Party Group on Animal Welfare
SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has been appointed Chair of the All-Party Group (APG) on Animal Welfare at Stormont.
The cross-party group brings together MLAs, animal welfare organisations and sector representatives to raise awareness of animal welfare issues and to advocate for stronger protections across Northern Ireland.
Ms Hunter said she was looking forward to working with stakeholders and colleagues from across the Assembly to ensure animal welfare remains a priority and to drive progress on issues affecting animals and those who care for them.
The MLA said: "The quality of life of animals must be at the heart of our approach to animal welfare. While progress has been made, there is still much more we can do to ensure animals are protected from harm, neglect and exploitation.
"We also need to see a renewed focus on tackling issues such as illegal breeding and puppy farming, which continue to cause immense suffering to animals and distress to families who unknowingly purchase pets from unethical breeders. There can be no place for practices that prioritise profit over animal welfare.
"Animals enrich our lives in so many ways and deserve to be treated with dignity, care and compassion. As Chair, I want to work with animal welfare organisations, campaigners and colleagues across the Assembly to ensure we are doing all we can to improve standards and strengthen protections.
"The political will to support animals must be there, and I believe there is a real opportunity for us to work together to deliver meaningful change."