A BAN on hunting wild mammals with dogs should be introduced in the next assembly mandate, the USPCA has said.
The animal charity said the last assembly voted against the ban and did not have enough time to debate a private member's bill to regulate the puppy trade.
Northern Ireland has at least 45 licensed puppy breeders who have 1,700 breeding bitches.
Under legislation, each bitch should only be allowed to have three litters over a three-year period but this is not monitored.
The USPCA said ahead of the May 5 election, voters should challenge politicians on the doorsteps about their views on animal welfare.
The charity said candidates should vote against the badger cull, as announced by environment minister Edwin Poots.
It also wants the establishment of a central register for people convicted of cruelty or maltreatment of animals.
The charity said although sentencing provisions for animal cruelty "have been strengthened in recent years – including lifetime bans on owning animals... they are relatively worthless in the absence of a register".
USPCA Chief Executive, Brendan Mullan, said the next assembly "needs to do better".
"Animals play an essential role in our community and natural environment, enhancing our quality of life – but at the same time, can be taken for granted or worse still, abused," he said.
