Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2023
229. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide on plans to target the sale and distribution of animals through illicit puppy farms, in particular a crackdown on online advertisements which are misleading the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40849/23]
View answerResponsibility for Dog Breeding Establishments lies with Department of Rural and Community Development as provided for by the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010.
An establishment keeping six or more bitches of more than six months of age capable of being used for breeding purposes falls within the scope of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Local Authorities have responsibility for registration, inspection and regulation of dog breeding establishments, including enforcement activities.
My Department monitors activities in relation to pet sales, and where potential breaches of the legislation are identified, investigates these cases and takes action as necessary. It is a requirement for any seller of pet animals to adhere to the guidelines set out in the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. No. 681 of 2019), which came into operation on 1st February 2020.
These Regulations put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including the minimum age for the sale of certain mammals; record-keeping; registration with the Department; and the provision of specific information about the pet in advertisements. The Regulations were welcomed by welfare organisations and are a support to those thinking of purchasing pet animals.
Under these regulations, anyone who sells or supplies six or more pet animals in a year must register with my Department. (Dog Breeding Establishments are excluded from this requirement under these regulations as they are already subject to registration).
My Department monitors activities in relation to pet sales and where potential breaches of the legislation are flagged, investigates further and takes action as necessary.
Where animals are sold online, the owners or administrators of the websites must monitor advertisements and where breaches of the guidelines have been found or are reported, advertisements must be investigated and removed where appropriate. Where sellers are in breach of the regulations, my Department initiates the process of revocation of the pet sellers license and in the case of breeding establishments, the appropriate Local Authority will take any necessary action.
In cases where an animal health issue has been brought to the attention of my Department, the website is instructed to remove the advert immediately and the owner of the advert is then reported to Regional Veterinary Office Veterinary Inspectors, who liaise with the ISPCA and Local Authorities as necessary to conduct a premises check and take action as appropriate.
A website that advertises dogs for sale, has in collaboration with a microchipping company, has developed a traceability and verification system for dogs advertised on their site. I would encourage all websites to adopt similar verification systems.
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 01 6072379 or by emailing animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
