Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018
58. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department will review dog licensing and breeding legislation in view of a similar review now under way in the UK to provide tighter restrictions for breeding, living conditions and the sale of pups. [1677/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014, including the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, transferred to the Department of Rural and Community Development in July 2017.
Under the Control of Dogs Acts, local authorities are responsible for operating and managing dog control and licensing services in their administrative areas. The Control of Dogs Act 1986 outlines requirements regarding the need to hold dog licences, and outlines the penalties for non-compliance. Given the requirements and the strict penal provisions for non-compliance that are already in place, I have no plans to amend the Control of Dogs Acts in respect of the requirement to hold dog licences.
Under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010, local authorities are responsible for the registration, inspection and regulation of dog breeding establishments within their areas. A public consultation process on the Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines took place in 2017. The Department has completed its review of the submissions received and a draft final report is under consideration with a view to publication in the coming weeks.
I am aware of the plans announced by the UK Government to bring forward proposals for draft regulations relating to the licensing of dog-breeding and other animal-related businesses in England. This is the latest stage of a review process which began in the Summer of 2015. While the legislative framework in this country is different, I will have regard to the proposals being considered in the UK when considering possible next steps.
