Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
798. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dog sellers who have registered with his Department since the introduction of new regulations on the sale or supply of pet animals that came into effect on 1 February 2020; and if he will publish the information on a regular basis. [34655/20]
View answerDog breeding establishments with 6 or more breeding bitches are required to be registered by local authorities under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010. These registers of commercial breeders are published by local authorities.
In 2019, my Department introduced the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations (SI 681 of 2019), with a view to further controlling the sale and supply of pet animals, in the interests of supporting the welfare of animals and bringing greater transparency to the sale and supply of pets. The Regulations require anyone selling or supplying six or more pet animals a year to register with my Department. These Regulations, which were welcomed by animal welfare charities on their introduction, are part of the ongoing work of my Department towards improved animal health and welfare.
155 persons or organisations have registered since February. My Department is keeping the question of publication under review. A person or organisation whose premises are connected with the sale or supply of more than six pet animals per year and has registered with the Department is required to display the certificate of registration on the premises.
