Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
2186. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department is considering reducing the number of breeding bitches down from six that would require a dog breeding establishment licence. [40807/22]
View answerMy Department published revised guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments which came into effect on 1 January 2019. There was a substantial shift in the guidelines towards a focus on the welfare of dogs and pups. Each local authority is responsible for the monitoring of these standards with regard to the registration of such establishments.
Under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010, local authorities are also responsible for all operational activities such as the registration, inspection and regulation of Dog Breeding Establishments, including enforcement activities. 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.
Currently, any premises which has six or more female dogs over 6 months of age and capable of breeding, is considered a Dog Breeding Establishment as defined under the Act. My Department is currently considering legislative amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, which will include a consideration of these licensing arrangements.
