Over the past few weeks, I have been contacted by hundreds of my constituents in East Derry regarding the vile and horrifying treatment of dogs in the Ballykelly area. The abuse was videotaped, shared online and viewed by thousands. It is so graphic that I cannot detail it in the Chamber.

There is an onus on us in the House, regardless of political party or stance, to reiterate our commitment to protect and preserve the safety, well-being and dignity of animals. A few weeks ago, I stood in exactly this spot and raised the heartbreaking issue of animal cruelty in Northern Ireland, the scale and prevalence of which is, frankly, unbelievable. Our councils have failed to adequately address the issue, and the PSNI continues to fail to prevent it and to adequately hold those responsible to account. We in the Chamber must take the action that is so desperately needed.

In order to finally make the progress that is so badly needed on this important issue, I call today for the establishment of an animal welfare commissioner and commission to tackle it. We have seen the success of the Scottish National Party initiative in Scotland on the creation of such a unit to provide the clarity of governance needed to properly protect wild and companion animals. The Assembly desperately needs expert guidance, and the welfare of our animals requires such oversight.

For far too long, we have seen disturbing images and videos of depraved people carrying out depraved and cruel acts on innocent and helpless animals. We must now act to put an end to that disgraceful ongoing reality. The establishment of a commission will set the stage for evidence-based policy on the protection of animals and will provide the necessary guidance for legislative and non-legislative routes to foster an environment in which all animals finally get the protection that they rightfully deserve and that my constituents and those of Members across the House deserve to see.

Now is the time for action. Now is the time to establish an animal welfare commission and commissioner. For too long have we witnessed horrific actions of cruelty and violence towards animals. We really can make a change. That is why, today, I will write to the AERA Minister to demand that change urgently.