Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2004
158 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider introducing legislation to control puppy farming, in view of the fact that it raises many issues of a welfare nature whether carried out in kennels or other establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32707/04]
View answer161 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the terms of reference of the working group set up to review management of dog breeding establishments nationally; if he has further satisfied himself that, by including only the management of kennels, the working group will be able to address the many abuses of dogs which can take place in environments other than kennels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32705/04]
View answer162 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the first report of the working group to review the management of dog breeding establishments will be published, if the report will be available to the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32706/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158, 161 and 162 together.
On 24 September 2004, my predecessor announced the setting up of a working group to examine the current position regarding management of dog breeding establishments and to make recommendations for such improvements, including better regulation, as it considers necessary in this area. It was not the intention that the group should consider animal welfare issues generally. Instead, the terms of reference were designed to allow the group focus on the specific issue of puppy farms so that it could report at an early date. I am satisfied with that arrangement.
The group undertook public consultation and has held two meetings to date. Its report is currently being prepared and I expect to receive it early in the new year. At that stage, I will consider the group's recommendations and decide the action to be taken. I also intend that the report will be publicly available.
As regards the wider issue of animal welfare, the principal statutes governing cruelty to animals are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for that legislation is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food.
159 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the micro chipping of all dogs in the country to ensure traceability for welfare purposes. [32711/04]
View answerThe Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 require the owner or other person in charge of a dog to ensure that the dog at all times wears a collar bearing the name and address of the owner on an attached plate, badge or disc. The regulations contain penalties for non-compliance with this requirement or for defacing or rendering illegible the above particulars. These arrangements followed consideration of all practicable options for ensuring identification of dogs, including that of micro-chipping. There is no proposal at present to alter them.
