Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2375. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount collected by local authorities on an annual basis to license puppy farms; the number of inspections that take place; the measures taken to ensure regulation of this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33094/18]
View answerIn accordance with the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010, I published new Guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments (DBEs) on 8 July last. These form part of the framework within which local authorities carry out inspections of DBEs and issue improvement notices, where required. The Guidelines are available on the following link: https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Guidelines-for-DBEs-.pdf.
My Department developed these Guidelines through consultation with both industry experts and the public. Some of the issues raised during the consultation process related to matters beyond the scope of the guidelines. These will be considered as part of a wider review of the legislation which is due to take place later this year.
Information on the fees collected by Local Authorities from DBEs and the number of inspections completed each year is available on my Department’s website at the following link: https://drcd.gov.ie/dog-control/view-our-dog-control-statistics/.
