The Northern Ireland Assembly has approved legislation known as Lucy's Law to tackle the illegal puppy trade.

The rules will ban third-party commercial sales of puppies and kittens, bringing Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK.

Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir said the regulations will increase transparency and make it harder for irresponsible operators to conceal poor breeding practices.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs said the law will disrupt dealer chains, strengthen protections, and give owners clearer information about an animal's origin.

Under the new rules, buyers must meet breeders face-to-face and see the puppy or kitten with its mother where it was bred.

The handover or sale must take place at that location.

Tara Cunningham from Causeway Coast Dog Rescue said the legislation is progress but leaves gaps, particularly the absence of a breeding sale and supply register.

Such a register would record all dog breeders, including hobby breeders, not just those requiring a licence.

Cunningham said a register would allow premises to be checked at any time by the council.

The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals called the law a welcome and important step forward.

Heather Weir from the USPCA said they regularly see the consequences of an inadequately regulated puppy trade.

Weir distinguished between large-scale commercial breeding establishments that transport puppies to Great Britain for sale and smaller-scale backyard breeding in Northern Ireland.

Kerry-Louise Lewis, who runs Just Like Home Rescues near Carrickfergus, said the only chance of tackling the puppy black market is regulation and enforcement.

Lewis said Lucy's Law might result in more dogs reaching rescue centres but would not stop them being bred in the first place.

Her colleague Kerry Graham said they have rescued thousands of abused cats and dogs over the last ten years.

Joanne Smith, who owns Kilworth Danes in Gilford, called Lucy's Law a massive step in the right direction.

Smith said it provides legal underpinning and stops people handing over dogs in car parks and filling station forecourts.

However, she said it will not stop people getting dogs from large-scale puppy mills.

Licensing rules in Northern Ireland require a breeding licence from the local district council if premises keep three or more breeding bitches, breed three or more litters in a 12-month period, or run a business advertising or selling breeding dogs.

Hobby breeders who keep one or two bitches and breed fewer than three litters a year are exempt.

Licence conditions include a maximum of three litters per bitch every three years, no more than six litters in a lifetime, and puppies staying with their mother until eight weeks old.

Operating a breeding establishment without a valid licence can result in a fine up to £5,000 and/or six months in prison.

Lucy's Law was originally introduced in England and Wales in 2020 and in Scotland in 2022.

Northern Ireland's version is due to be enacted by the end of the year.