Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2364. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the cost and estimated cost to double inspections of dog breeding establishments to investigate animal cruelty allegations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33511/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out its functions, including any inspection of dog breeding establishments. Details on the cost of increasing the inspection levels in each Local Authority area are not available within this Department at this time.
On 8 July last, I published new Guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments (DBEs). These form part of the framework within which local authorities carry out inspections and issue improvement notices, where required. They 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 focus of the revised guidelines is on 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 enforcement and inspections. These will be considered as part of a wider review of the legislation which is due to take place later this year.
The enforcement of welfare standards regarding all animals, including dogs, is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. It is important that members of the public continue to report suspected cases of cruelty to dogs, and indeed of suspected cruelty to any animal, to the appropriate authorities.
