Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2018
17. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps he will take with regard to oversight and monitoring of the inspections of dog breeding establishments to ensure that the new guidelines, due to come into force in January 2019, will be adhered to. [45954/18]
View answer28. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way in which the updated guidelines for dog breeding establishments will be enforced when they come into effect on 1 January 2019; if additional resources are being allocated for the inspection and enforcement of these guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45948/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 28 together.
My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. The Act provides for guidelines to be put in place for the management and operation of Dog Breeding Establishments. Following a public consultation process, my Department published new Guidelines in July of this year and these will come into effect on 1 January 2019.
I want to see high standards achieved by Dog Breeding Establishments in Ireland. Having published the new Guidelines, my Department is now identifying any necessary legislative amendments that may be required in the Act to further improve standards.
Under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010, local authorities are responsible for operational activities such as the registration, inspection and regulation of Dog Breeding Establishments, including enforcement activities.
The Department publishes statistics on dog related operational activities undertaken by Local Authorities, including in relation to Dog Breeding Establishments. The Department will continue to undertake this monitoring work following go-live of the new guidelines.
It is important to bear in mind that the enforcement of animal welfare standards for all animals, including dogs, is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Animal Health and Welfare Acts. Both Departments work closely with each other to ensure a coordinated approach is taken in this area.
