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Dog trafficking “will not be tolerated,” minister warns
Pupppy behind bars
More than 700 vehicles were checked by DEARA’s portal inspectors and council animal welfare officers.
Over 30 puppies seized in Belfast operation

Northern Ireland’s agriculture minister, Michelle Mcllveen, has warned that illegal movements of dogs through the country’s ports “will not be tolerated”.

Her call follows an operation between the Department of Agriculture (DAERA), Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Belfast City Council, which led to over 30 puppies being prevented from travelling to Great Britain illegally.

“This sends out a clear message that enforcement bodies will take whatever action necessary to ensure that the welfare of animals is protected, that illegal movement will not be tolerated and that legislative requirements are met,” she said.

Launched before Christmas, the operation at Larne and Belfast Ports came after concerns were raised about the potential illegal movements of commercial consignments of dogs.

The initiative focussed on the welfare of animals during transportation, the identification of animals and the licensing and registration of dog breeding establishments.

In total, more than 700 vehicles were checked by DEARA’s portal inspectors and council animal welfare officers. This resulted in more than 30 pups being either prevented from travelling or surrendered at the ports.

Miss Mcllveen said that information gathered by her team will be shared with enforcement bodies in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland to provide ongoing intelligence and to tackle the illegal trade in puppies.

“Legislation alone will not stop illegal puppy farming. This will take a concerted effort by members of the public and enforcement agencies working together to identify breeders who put financial gain before the welfare needs of their dogs and pups,” she said.

“I would encourage anyone with specific evidence of an illegal breeding establishment to provide this to councils to allow enforcement action to be taken.”  

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.