Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
1147. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cases that have been pursued by his Department under SI 681/2019 Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 since its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1340/21]
View answerThe safety and welfare of pet animals was one of the concerns behind the introduction by my Department of regulations on the sale and supply of pet animals. These Regulations were welcomed by welfare organisations and put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including minimum ages for sale of certain mammals; record-keeping; registration with the Department; and provision of certain information about the pet in advertisements.
The requirement to include certain information about a pet animal in an advertisement will assist potential pet owners in deciding the appropriate seller with whom to engage. My Department's website has further guidance for potential pet owners thinking of acquiring a pet. The Department continues to develop its controls in respect of this legislation and is advancing its plans and approach to effective enforcement - no cases have been taken before the courts to date.
My Department participates in the Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group (IPAAG), a group formed in 2015 by a number of animal welfare organisations, veterinary professionals and classified advertising websites to address irresponsible advertising of pets online. Officials of my Department have engaged and will continue to engage constructively with members of IPAAG, on the issue of online advertising and enforcement of the new Regulations. IPAAG has published practical, comprehensive advice on their website for anyone thinking of acquiring a pet, including what to check for in advertisements for pet animals.
Any evidence of animal cruelty or neglect of an animal’s welfare should be brought to the attention of my Department by calling the animal welfare helpline on 0761064408 (Call Save) or 01 6072379 or by emailing animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie. All such reports are followed up on.
