Skip to main content
Normal View

Dog Breeding Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Questions (84)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

84. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to curb the illegal sale and export of Irish dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6666/18]

View answer

Written answers

The welfare of animals is regulated by the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.  The Act applies to all animals, whether kept for commercial, domestic, sport, show or other purposes and contains robust measures against the ill-treatment of animals. The Act also provides for the application of fines and imprisonment on conviction of an offence.

Trade within the EU of dogs is governed by EU law.  Dogs moved to another EU Member State from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport and a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian, be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination.  Before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian, who must verify that the animals show no obvious signs of disease and are fit to be transported.

The premises exporting dogs to the other EU Member States must be registered with my Department in advance of the export.   

These procedures ensure that only healthy dogs, over the age of 15 weeks, are allowed to be exported. 

Exporters must also comply with national and EU law on the protection of animals during transport, while the transport of animals by air is also governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).  Information about any breaches of these regulations can be provided to my Department, which will treat any information received in the strictest of confidence.

There is on-going co-operation between my Department, An Garda Síochána and Customs on the enforcement of export requirements and checks carried out at ports.

Top
Share