Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2363. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of convictions obtained to date in respect of offences under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33414/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOperational matters such as enforcement under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 are statutory functions of local authorities. Details on the number of convictions under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 are not available within this Department at this time. However, some statistics relating to operational matters including the number of improvement notices and closure notices issued are available on my Department’s website at the following link: https://drcd.gov.ie/dog-control/view-our-dog-control-statistics/.
On 8 July last, I published new Guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments (DBEs). These are available on the following link: https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Guidelines-for-DBEs-.pdf.
My Department developed these Guidelines through consultation with both industry experts and the public. The overall aim of the revised guidelines is to improve the welfare of animals in DBEs. However, some of the issues raised during the consultation process related to matters beyond the scope of the guidelines, such as the enforcement of the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010. These will be considered as part of a wider review of the legislation which is due to take place later this year.
