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Dog Breeding Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Ceisteanna (983)

Steven Matthews

Ceist:

983. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she will take to ensure the robust and consistent enforcement of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 to reduce the prevalence of puppy farms. [5394/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010.  The Act provides a robust regulatory framework for, inter alia, the licensing, monitoring and inspection of dog breeding establishments by local authorities and, where a serious and immediate threat exists to public health or animal health and welfare, for the closure of such establishments. 

The day to day regulation of dog breeding establishments to ensure compliance with the Act is a matter for local authorities.  It is the responsibility of each local authority to maintain the register of dog breeding establishments in its functional area.  The Act also places an obligation on any person seeking to operate a dog breeding establishment to have the premises included on the register. Welfare standards regarding dog breeding establishments have been provided for through guidelines.

In July 2018, following a public consultation, my Department published revised guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments.  These came into effect on 1 January 2019.  There is a substantial shift in the new guidelines towards a focus on the welfare of dogs and pups.  Each local authority is responsible for the monitoring of these standards with regard to the registration of such establishments.

Following a review, my Department is currently developing necessary legislative amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, with a view to inclusion in the 2021 Government legislative programme.

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