It comes after Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long, with input from Alliance Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA, launched a Sentencing Review to examine the appropriateness and effectiveness of the current legislative framework on animal welfare offences, environmental crime, and other issues.
 
Mr Blair has said: “I very much welcome the launch of the Justice Minister’s Sentencing Review, given the pertinent need to strengthen protections for environmental crime and animal abuse.
 
“I want to pay thanks to my Alliance colleagues Naomi Long MLA and Andrew Muir MLA for their leadership on this issue to ensure that those who damage our environment or harm animals will face more robust and meaningful penalties.
 
“As Chair of the APG on Animal Welfare, I have long been concerned that sentencing in the area of animal cruelty has too often failed to reflect the seriousness of these offences. Similarly, in my own South Antrim constituency, I frequently witness ongoing pollution incidents which are detrimental to our natural environment.
 
“The inclusion of animal welfare offences and environmental crime within this review is a clear signal that these crimes are no longer being treated as secondary or minor concerns.
 
"Alliance has consistently championed stronger protections for animals and our natural environment. I am confident the Review will inform the development of a robust sentencing framework that commands public confidence and imposes sentences that match the severity of the crime."