My Department has responsibility for enforcing the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations S.I. No. 311 of 2010, which give effect to a series of European Directives concerning the protection of farmed animals. The Regulations require that owners and keepers of animals take all necessary steps to ensure the welfare of animals in their possession or under their care. Compliance with these regulations is enforced through the appointment of authorised officers and sanctions are applied for breaches of the legislation, which include conviction, fines and/or terms of imprisonment.
The Dog Breeding Establishment Act (2010) is outside the scope of my function and is a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.