The Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 provides for the regulation of Dog Breeding Establishments and provides a robust regulatory framework for, inter alia, the licensing, monitoring and inspection of dog breeding establishments by local authorities. The Act does not prescribe the purposes for which such premises may or may not be established, managed or operated. Accordingly, it does not provide for nor does it prohibit the breeding of dogs for scientific purposes.
The protection of such dogs, however, and all other animals used for scientific purposes, is covered specifically by the European Union (Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes) Regulations 2012, and is the policy responsibility of the Minister for Health.