Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 May 2018
231. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his attention has been drawn to the number of breeding dogs at a puppy farm (details supplied); if the establishment has been inspected; and if it is registered and in compliance with the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. [21771/18]
View answer232. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his attention has been drawn to the number of breeding dogs at a puppy farm (details supplied); if the establishment has been inspected; and if it is registered and in compliance with the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. [21826/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.
The day to day regulation of dog breeding establishments to ensure compliance with the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 is a matter for local authorities and I do not have a function in these operational activities.
However, on foot of the Deputy's question, enquiries have been made by my Department with the relevant local authority, which has indicated that the enterprise referenced is currently registered as a Dog Breeding Establishment for up to 100 breeding bitches.
Veterinary inspections of the premises are carried out on an on-going basis. The Local Authority has also confirmed that no dog breeding establishment is registered or renewed in its area without an inspection to determine compliance with the Dog Breeding Establishment guidelines.
The most recent inspection was carried out by the Local Authority on the 10th May 2017, and it has confirmed that further inspections will be carried out in 2018.
The Local Authority has confirmed that the premises has been registered since 2015. It received two inspections in 2015, and a further two in 2016. Two of the previous inspections were completed jointly with Department of Agriculture & Marine Veterinary Inspectors.
