Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 May 2014
171. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the regulations as prescribed by his Department for dog training schools and for dog trainers themselves; the procedures in place for complaints of any abuse of animals made by trainers in these training schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20579/14]
View answerUnder the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 a person is prohibited from causing unnecessary pain or suffering or endangering the health and welfare of any animal. The Act also provides that a person having possession of an animal must ensure that the animal is kept in a manner that safeguards its health and welfare. While there are no specific regulations on dog training, any complaints relating to the welfare of dogs under training can be investigated by authorised officers of my Department or the local authorities or the Gardaí.
