Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2092. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether stricter laws should be put in place to bring about the closure of large-scale puppy farms (details supplied); and his views on whether dogs from commercial puppy farms should not be allowed to be advertised using images that imply that they were bred in a home environment. [42045/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requirement to register with my Department as a seller or supplier of pet animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 does not apply to a person who is required to register with their local authority under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Dog breeding establishments are regulated under that Act and fall under the remit of the Minister for Rural and Community Development. Controls relating to these establishments rest with that Department and the relevant local authorities.
Concern for the safety and welfare of pet animals was one of the primary reasons behind the introduction by my Department of the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 681/2019).
These Regulations put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including minimum ages for sale of certain mammals; record-keeping; registration with the Department; and the provision of certain information about the pet being advertised. The Regulations have been widely welcomed by welfare organisations.
