Northern Ireland

Stopping animal cruelty will be a top priority, says agriculture minister

Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir visited the USPCA on Tuesday.

Stormont Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir met USPCA boss Nora Smith during his visit to the USPCA offices in Newry
Stormont Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir met USPCA boss Nora Smith during his visit to the USPCA offices in Newry
By Rebecca Black, PA

The new Agriculture and Environment Minister at Stormont has pledged to make stopping animal cruelty one of his top priorities.

Andrew Muir made his first official visit in the role on Tuesday to the offices of the USPCA in Newry where he met staff and volunteers.

He said he wants to be an advocate for animal welfare issues and will work to bring legislation in Northern Ireland into line with other jurisdictions.

“I am delighted to visit USPCA in my first visit as minister as I want to be an advocate for animal welfare issues. It is something that I know that we can all agree on, that improving animal welfare and stopping animal cruelty should be a priority for everyone,” he said.

“Working with stakeholders and partners across the piece we can find a way to modernise and bring animal welfare legislation here into line with other jurisdictions.

“Through adopting a collaborative approach I am convinced we have an opportunity to make a real difference and going forward I will continue to engage and listen carefully to help inform my decisions.”