My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Following a public consultation, revised guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments were published in July 2018 and 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. The issues raised are wide ranging and complex and require in depth analysis and consultation. I expect to bring the General Scheme of the Bill to Government in Q2 2023.