Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
839 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposed legislation or guidelines pertaining to dog breeding and dog welfare planned for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1172/10]
View answerI published the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 on 22 December 2009. The Bill contains provision to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that reviewed the management of dog breeding establishments. A dog breeding establishment is defined in the Bill as a premises with not less than 6 bitches of 4 months old capable of breeding.
The Bill proposes that all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, pay a registration fee and meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. Regulations will be introduced following its enactment and these will set out the detailed criteria for dog breeding establishments Guidelines for dog breeding establishments to meet the requirements of the legislation will be introduced by way of Regulations following enactment of the Bill. The draft Regulations will be subject to consultation with interested parties. to meet the requirements of the legislation. In addition, my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Brendan Smith, T.D., is preparing an Animal Health and Welfare Bill.
