Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 May 2022
260. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will consider amending the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 so that authorised authorities such as the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals can carry out unannounced inspections of dog breeding establishments. [22485/22]
View answerMy Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. The Act provides a robust regulatory framework for the licensing, monitoring and inspection of dog breeding establishments by local authorities and, where a serious and immediate threat exists to public health or animal health and welfare, for the closure of such establishments.
The day to day regulation of dog breeding establishments to ensure compliance with the Act is a matter for local authorities. It is the responsibility of each local authority to maintain the register of dog breeding establishments in its functional area. The Act also places an obligation on any person seeking to operate a dog breeding establishment to have the premises included on the register. Welfare standards regarding dog breeding establishments have been provided for through guidelines, which also provide for unannounced inspections by local authorities.
Following a review, my Department is currently developing legislative amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, with a view to inclusion in the Government legislative programme. The points raised by the Deputy will be considered as part of that process.
