Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2009
420 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend or introduce regulations under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 or the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act 1992; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42601/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra421 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will include all hunt clubs in the legislation on puppy farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42602/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 421 together.
Work is under way in drafting an amendment to the Control of Dogs Acts and I hope to publish my proposals in the near future. The draft Bill proposes to 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 all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they pay a registration fee and that they meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. It is also proposed to amend a number of the existing dog control provisions.
The Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI) made submissions to me in relation to their activities and the nature of these. As a consequence and in recognition of the "not for profit" basis of these activities, and as communicated to the HAI directly and in response to representations on their behalf, I decided to provide exemption in the legislation in respect of the payment of registration fees. The HAI has made clear that their premises operate in accordance with comprehensive and appropriate standards. Accordingly, I do not consider that this aspect of the legislative regime should cause difficulty to their members.
Regulations made under the Control of Dogs legislation will also be amended on foot of such revised primary legislation.
I intend to publish a draft Bill as soon as possible.
