Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2009
392 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Bill, to provide adequate regulation of dog breeding establishments, will come before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41531/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork is under way to complete the preparation of the draft Bill, which will amend the Control of Dogs Acts, and give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that had been established to review the management of dog breeding establishments. The Working Group recommended that a dog breeding establishment be defined as ‘a premises containing more than 5 female dogs, aged over 4 months, with breeding potential'. The draft Bill proposes that dog breeding establishments will be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they will pay a registration fee and meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. I intend to publish the draft Bill as soon as possible.
