Latest news with #NorthernIrelandAssembly
Irish Post
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
Assembly backs law stopping mutilated pets being imported into Northern Ireland
THE Northern Ireland Assembly has approved a legal motion to stop the importation of pets which have been mutilated for 'aesthetic reasons'. In a move described as a 'significant moment' on the North's 'journey towards increasing animal welfare protections for pets', the Assembly approved a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) to extend powers contained in the UK's Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill to Northern Ireland. Currently progressing through parliament, the legislation will allow Northern Ireland's Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to introduce new rules to restrict the import of cats and dogs which have been subject to painful practices like de-clawing or ear cropping. 'I am committed to ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and creating a safe environment for all pets,' DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said. It has been against the law to mutilate any animal for cosmetic reasons in Northern Ireland since 2011 (Pic: Rolling news) 'I welcome this approval by the Assembly which marks a significant step forward in protecting companion animals from cruel and inhumane practices,' he added. While it has been against the law to mutilate any animal for cosmetic reasons in Northern Ireland since 2011, it is not illegal to buy a cat or a dog from another country where these practices are still permitted or tolerated. 'No animal should be subjected to mutilations for aesthetic reasons,' Minister Muir said. 'Ear cropping or tail docking are intensely painful procedures, carried out at a young age and deliver no health or welfare benefits,' he added. 'Gaining consent provides my department with the ability to close any remaining loopholes in our law and it sends a message that these inhumane practices have no place in our society." The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill is a UK government-backed Private Members Bill, which was introduced by the MP for Winchester, Dr Danny Chambers. Once it achieves Royal Assent, it will provide powers to DAERA to make legislation in the NI Assembly to prohibit the importation of these animals on welfare grounds. See More: Law, Mutilation, Northern Ireland Assembly, Pets
Metro
01-07-2025
- Metro
Man charged with murder and 'child destruction' after pregnant mum found dead
A man has been charged with murder after a pregnant mum was found dead in Northern Ireland. Sarah Montgomery, 27, died at a house in Donaghadee, County Down, on Saturday. The mother-of-two was given medical treatment by paramedics just after 2.15pm but was pronounced dead at the scene. A man, 28, was arrested on suspicion of murder over the weekend and was today charged with murder and child destruction. He is due to appear before Newtownards Magistrates' Court tomorrow. Police also arrested a 42-year-old woman on suspicion of assisting an offender but she was released unconditionally. Sarah was described in tributes left outside her home as a 'beautiful, kind and wonderful mother'. The charity Donaghadee Lifeboat said Sarah was a 'highly regarded' member of the fundraising branch. More Trending It said in a post on Facebook that Sarah's family has ties to Donaghadee RNLI, with her own mother, Linda, being a volunteer fundraiser. The post added: 'We extend our deepest sympathies to Sarah's children, siblings, grandparents, and wider family and friends. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.' Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill said her death captures the 'epidemic' of violence women and girls face. She told the Northern Ireland Assembly today: 'Another young mother, her life being taken.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Woman pulls out huge knife and lunges at young reveller in London park MORE: Google Maps lets you blur your house – here's why you should do it MORE: Man 'dismembered' couple and froze remains before dumping them off bridge
Sunday World
30-06-2025
- Sunday World
42-year-old woman arrested in Sarah Montgomery murder investigation
The woman was arrested in Belfast earlier today A 42-year-old woman has been arrested as part of the police investigation into the murder of Sarah Montgomery. The woman was arrested in Belfast earlier today, on suspicion of assisting an offender. She remains in custody assisting police with their enquiries. A 28-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder over the weekend, remains in police custody. Ms Montgomery (27) was a mother-of-two and was pregnant with her third child at the time of her death. She died following an incident at a property in Donaghadee on Saturday. Police have confirmed that both suspects were known to the victim and at present, no-one else is being sought in connection with the crime. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Police also issued a renewed appeal for information and released details of information they are looking to confirm. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips said: 'We are working at pace to determine the circumstances of Sarah's tragic murder and need help from people in the Donaghadee and Belfast areas. 'Did you see or hear anything unusual or suspicious in the Elmfield Walk area of Donaghadee between 1.20pm and 2.20pm on Friday 27th June? 'Did you see a yellow Jeep Avenger in the Airport Road area of the Belfast Harbour Estate, East Belfast between 3.30pm and 4.15pm on Friday 27th June? Do you have CCTV, dashcam or phone footage which could be useful in our investigation? 'Even if you think it may not be important, please come forward and speak with us as even very small pieces of information could prove invaluable to us.' DCI Phillips added: 'This is an incredibly tragic case which has devastated Sarah's family and friends, and leaves two small children without their beloved Mum. 'Specially trained officers will continue to support Sarah's family and we are working to do everything in our power to bring anyone involved in this senseless murder to justice. 'If you know anything that will help with our investigation, please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 865 28/06/25.' Sarah Montgomery Earlier today, the Northern Ireland Assembly has heard that an epidemic of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland is worsening. The Assembly was told she was the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. In a statement issued earlier today,SDLP MLA Cara Hunter described Ms Montgomery's death as a 'devastating tragedy' adding that 'no child should lose their mother to violence'. 'A woman has lost her life in an act of violence, and children have lost their mother, with their world changed forever,' said Ms Hunter. 'There is no grief more profound than that of a child robbed of the love, safety, and care of their mother. 'It is essential that support is put in place to help this family manage the devastating outworkings of this tragedy as they come to terms with this horror.' Ms Hunter also said Ms Montgomery's death was part of a 'wider epidemic of violence' adding that it is a 'stark reminder' of the urgent need to tackle violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. 'This is not an isolated incident. We are failing women. We are failing children. And we are failing to treat this crisis with the seriousness it demands,' said the East Derry MLA. 'Too many women in Northern Ireland live in fear; in their homes, on their streets, and in their relationships. That fear is not just real; the statistics show that it is justified. But it should never be acceptable.' She added that her party welcomed the publication of the strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, but added that it remains concerned about the level of funding. 'Key to eradicating this is addressing the underlying issues that enable and facilitate violence against women and girls, and so it is also essential that the Executive work with the UK Government to address online radicalisation,' she continued. 'This woman's life mattered. Her children's future matters. And unless we do everything in our power to stop the epidemic against women and girls there will be more children left without mothers, and more families destroyed.' Speaking in the Assembly, DUP North Down MLA Stephen Dunne described the death of Ms Montgomery as 'devastating'. He added: 'Sarah is the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. 'The majority of these woman have been killed in their own homes, which is a truly shocking and devastating figure. 'A home should be a place of refuge and safety, but sadly that is not always the case. 'Again, it highlights the need for tougher sentencing as well, when we see so many lives ended and totally devastated and shattered with this ongoing scourge of our society of violence against women and girls.' He added: 'Donaghadee is a very close-knit and caring community and I know the community there is already rallying around the family of Sarah Montgomery. 'There is a real sense of shock and sadness and alarm around the devastating events at the weekend.' Sarah Montgomery (27) Street sealed off as police investigate death of woman Alliance Party MLA Connie Egan described the death of Ms Montgomery as an 'absolutely tragic loss'. She said: 'My thoughts first and foremost are with Sarah's loved ones, her family and, of course, her two little children who have to grow up without their mummy. 'Sarah was also pregnant at the time she was killed. 'This is an absolutely horrendous and tragic loss and I know the people in Donaghadee are shocked. 'Tributes left outside her home describe Sarah as a beautiful, kind and wonderful mother.' She added: 'Sarah was the 27th woman to have been killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. 'Our rates of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland are shockingly high and it is completely unacceptable.'
Belfast Telegraph
30-06-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Second arrest made in Sarah Montgomery murder probe as police granted more time to question suspect
Earlier today, a 42-year-old woman was also arrested in Belfast on suspicion of assisting an offender. She remains in custody assisting police with their enquiries. A 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder over the weekend remains in police custody. Detectives have been granted a further 36 hours to question him. Ms Montgomery (27) was a mother-of-two and was pregnant with her third child at the time of her death. She died following an incident at a property in Donaghadee on Saturday. Police have confirmed that both suspects were known to the victim and at present, no-one else is being sought in connection with the crime. Police also issued a renewed appeal for information and released details of information they are looking to confirm. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips said: 'We are working at pace to determine the circumstances of Sarah's tragic murder and need help from people in the Donaghadee and Belfast areas. 'Did you see or hear anything unusual or suspicious in the Elmfield Walk area of Donaghadee between 1.20pm and 2.20pm on Friday 27th June? 'Did you see a yellow Jeep Avenger in the Airport Road area of the Belfast Harbour Estate, East Belfast between 3.30pm and 4.15pm on Friday 27th June? Do you have CCTV, dashcam or phone footage which could be useful in our investigation? 'Even if you think it may not be important, please come forward and speak with us as even very small pieces of information could prove invaluable to us.' DCI Phillips added: 'This is an incredibly tragic case which has devastated Sarah's family and friends, and leaves two small children without their beloved Mum. 'Specially trained officers will continue to support Sarah's family and we are working to do everything in our power to bring anyone involved in this senseless murder to justice. 'If you know anything that will help with our investigation, please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 865 28/06/25.' We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Earlier today, the Northern Ireland Assembly has heard that an epidemic of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland is worsening. The Assembly was told she is the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. In a statement issued earlier today,SDLP MLA Cara Hunter described Ms Montgomery's death as a 'devastating tragedy' adding that 'no child should lose their mother to violence'. 'A woman has lost her life in an act of violence, and children have lost their mother, with their world changed forever,' said Ms Hunter. 'There is no grief more profound than that of a child robbed of the love, safety, and care of their mother. 'It is essential that support is put in place to help this family manage the devastating outworkings of this tragedy as they come to terms with this horror.' Ms Hunter also said Ms Montgomery's death was part of a 'wider epidemic of violence' adding that it is a 'stark reminder' of the urgent need to tackle violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. 'This is not an isolated incident. We are failing women. We are failing children. And we are failing to treat this crisis with the seriousness it demands,' said the East Derry MLA. 'Too many women in Northern Ireland live in fear; in their homes, on their streets, and in their relationships. That fear is not just real; the statistics show that it is justified. But it should never be acceptable.' She added that her party welcomed the publication of the strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, but added that it remains concerned about the level of funding. 'Key to eradicating this is addressing the underlying issues that enable and facilitate violence against women and girls, and so it is also essential that the Executive work with the UK Government to address online radicalisation,' she continued. 'This woman's life mattered. Her children's future matters. And unless we do everything in our power to stop the epidemic against women and girls there will be more children left without mothers, and more families destroyed.' Speaking in the Assembly, DUP North Down MLA Stephen Dunne described the death of Ms Montgomery as 'devastating'. He added: 'Sarah is the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. 'The majority of these woman have been killed in their own homes, which is a truly shocking and devastating figure. 'A home should be a place of refuge and safety, but sadly that is not always the case. 'Again, it highlights the need for tougher sentencing as well, when we see so many lives ended and totally devastated and shattered with this ongoing scourge of our society of violence against women and girls.' He added: 'Donaghadee is a very close-knit and caring community and I know the community there is already rallying around the family of Sarah Montgomery. 'There is a real sense of shock and sadness and alarm around the devastating events at the weekend.' Street sealed off as police investigate death of woman Alliance Party MLA Connie Egan described the death of Ms Montgomery as an 'absolutely tragic loss'. She said: 'My thoughts first and foremost are with Sarah's loved ones, her family and, of course, her two little children who have to grow up without their mummy. 'Sarah was also pregnant at the time she was killed. 'This is an absolutely horrendous and tragic loss and I know the people in Donaghadee are shocked. 'Tributes left outside her home describe Sarah as a beautiful, kind and wonderful mother.' She added: 'Sarah was the 27th woman to have been killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. 'Our rates of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland are shockingly high and it is completely unacceptable.'
Belfast Telegraph
30-06-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Police make second arrest in Sarah Montgomery murder investigation
The woman was arrested in Belfast earlier today, on suspicion of assisting an offender. She remains in custody assisting police with their enquiries. A 28-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder over the weekend, remains in police custody. Ms Montgomery (27) was a mother-of-two and was pregnant with her third child at the time of her death. She died following an incident at a property in Donaghadee on Saturday. Police have confirmed that both suspects were known to the victim and at present, no-one else is being sought in connection with the crime. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Police also issued a renewed appeal for information and released details of information they are looking to confirm. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips said: 'We are working at pace to determine the circumstances of Sarah's tragic murder and need help from people in the Donaghadee and Belfast areas. 'Did you see or hear anything unusual or suspicious in the Elmfield Walk area of Donaghadee between 1.20pm and 2.20pm on Friday 27th June? 'Did you see a yellow Jeep Avenger in the Airport Road area of the Belfast Harbour Estate, East Belfast between 3.30pm and 4.15pm on Friday 27th June? Do you have CCTV, dashcam or phone footage which could be useful in our investigation? 'Even if you think it may not be important, please come forward and speak with us as even very small pieces of information could prove invaluable to us.' DCI Phillips added: 'This is an incredibly tragic case which has devastated Sarah's family and friends, and leaves two small children without their beloved Mum. 'Specially trained officers will continue to support Sarah's family and we are working to do everything in our power to bring anyone involved in this senseless murder to justice. 'If you know anything that will help with our investigation, please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 865 28/06/25.' We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Earlier today, the Northern Ireland Assembly has heard that an epidemic of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland is worsening. The Assembly was told she was the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. In a statement issued earlier today,SDLP MLA Cara Hunter described Ms Montgomery's death as a 'devastating tragedy' adding that 'no child should lose their mother to violence'. 'A woman has lost her life in an act of violence, and children have lost their mother, with their world changed forever,' said Ms Hunter. 'There is no grief more profound than that of a child robbed of the love, safety, and care of their mother. 'It is essential that support is put in place to help this family manage the devastating outworkings of this tragedy as they come to terms with this horror.' Ms Hunter also said Ms Montgomery's death was part of a 'wider epidemic of violence' adding that it is a 'stark reminder' of the urgent need to tackle violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. 'This is not an isolated incident. We are failing women. We are failing children. And we are failing to treat this crisis with the seriousness it demands,' said the East Derry MLA. 'Too many women in Northern Ireland live in fear; in their homes, on their streets, and in their relationships. That fear is not just real; the statistics show that it is justified. But it should never be acceptable.' She added that her party welcomed the publication of the strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, but added that it remains concerned about the level of funding. 'Key to eradicating this is addressing the underlying issues that enable and facilitate violence against women and girls, and so it is also essential that the Executive work with the UK Government to address online radicalisation,' she continued. 'This woman's life mattered. Her children's future matters. And unless we do everything in our power to stop the epidemic against women and girls there will be more children left without mothers, and more families destroyed.' Speaking in the Assembly, DUP North Down MLA Stephen Dunne described the death of Ms Montgomery as 'devastating'. He added: 'Sarah is the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. 'The majority of these woman have been killed in their own homes, which is a truly shocking and devastating figure. 'A home should be a place of refuge and safety, but sadly that is not always the case. 'Again, it highlights the need for tougher sentencing as well, when we see so many lives ended and totally devastated and shattered with this ongoing scourge of our society of violence against women and girls.' He added: 'Donaghadee is a very close-knit and caring community and I know the community there is already rallying around the family of Sarah Montgomery. 'There is a real sense of shock and sadness and alarm around the devastating events at the weekend.' Street sealed off as police investigate death of woman Alliance Party MLA Connie Egan described the death of Ms Montgomery as an 'absolutely tragic loss'. She said: 'My thoughts first and foremost are with Sarah's loved ones, her family and, of course, her two little children who have to grow up without their mummy. 'Sarah was also pregnant at the time she was killed. 'This is an absolutely horrendous and tragic loss and I know the people in Donaghadee are shocked. 'Tributes left outside her home describe Sarah as a beautiful, kind and wonderful mother.' She added: 'Sarah was the 27th woman to have been killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. 'Our rates of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland are shockingly high and it is completely unacceptable.'
