Mr. Conor Brennan:

Yes, exactly. Automated feeding and cleaning are the main types of automation that are emerging. The Department may be coming at this from the point of view that it does not want to inhibit advancements in technology, but we would warn sternly against that because dogs, by their nature, need socialisation, playtime and so forth. That is where we come at it from.

As for puppy farms and illegal puppy farming, the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, I think, was seen as a means of ensuring there is a licensing business. It was a baby step. We had promises from the Minister and the programme for Government. There was a recognition it was not in line with the modern perception of dog breeding. A licence is needed only for more than five breeding bitches, for one thing. There is a real need to strengthen the legislation. Regardless of whether that would drive illegal farming underground, the concern should be whether the legitimate dog breeding establishments would have good welfare practices in line with the primary legislation. That is the first port of call. Addressing whether the practice would go underground follows, but strengthening the legislation needs to be a priority.