Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1958. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of prosecutions for offences involving illegal puppy farms since new stronger regulations were introduced in 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63180/21]
View answerThe requirement to register with my Department as a seller or supplier of pet animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 does not apply to a person who is required to register with their local authority under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Dog breeding establishments are regulated under that Act and fall under the remit of the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
The Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 came into effect in February 2020. Extracts from the Register of Sellers have been published on www.gov.ie/registered-pet-sellers, including the pet sales registration number, the name of the seller or supplier and the county in which the premises connected to the sale or supply of pets is located. No prosecutions have been taken under these Regulations to date.
My Department is working to achieve full compliance with the regulations on advertising pet animals. My Department participates in the Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group (IPAAG), a group of animal welfare organisations, veterinary professionals and advertising platforms that address issues in relation to advertising pet animals, and engages with advertising platforms both through that group and bilaterally on the new regulations.
