Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2004
109 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself that breeding, sale and transport of puppies is adequately managed and audited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32708/04]
View answer110 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself that the conditions for transport of puppies for export are adequate and appropriate; if they fulfil reasonable animal welfare conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32709/04]
View answer111 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has plans to introduce legislation to ensure appropriate transport conditions for dogs for export; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32710/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 109 to 111, inclusive, together.
The EU Council Directive 91/628 on the protection of animals during transport, as transposed by Diseases of Animals (Protection of Animals during Transport) Order 1995, does not apply to the transport of pet animals for non-profit making purposes. However, this order does provide that the transport of dogs for commercial purposes is subject to a number of conditions. Requirements include ensuring that the animals are fit for transport and are accommodated in such a way as to avoid risk of injury or unnecessary suffering. Animals must be provided with adequate ventilation and space to stand in their natural position and to lie down. Food and water must be available to the animals so that they can be fed at intervals not exceeding 24 hours and watered at intervals not exceeding 12 hours.
In March 2004 my Department introduced a system for the registration of transporters of dogs for commercial purposes and for the inspection of vehicles engaging in such transport to the Continent. The forthcoming regulation on the protection of animals during transport will further improve the conditions under which animals are transported throughout the European Union. The breeding and sale of puppies is not a matter for my Department.
112 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the French Government has put forward an amendment to the EU proposal for a Council regulation on the welfare of animals during transport and related operations, noting that the transport of kittens and puppies under eight weeks without their mothers should be banned; her views on this amendment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32712/04]
View answerI am unaware of any such proposal from the French Government.
