Micheál Martin
Ceist:555 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation to regulate the establishment and operation of puppy farms. [1064/96]
Written Answers. - Puppy Farms.
Controls on the commercial export of dogs to other EU member states, including the registration of exporters, will be introduced with effect from 1 February 1996 by virtue of regulations recently adopted under the European Communities Act, 1972. The regulations implement an EU Directive which lays down animal health conditions for trade in certain animals, including dogs. As far as national controls on the breeding of dogs are concerned, I indicated in the House on 19 October last that I had no plans to introduce such controls.