John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 proposes to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the working group that reviewed the management of dog breeding establishments. The working group was set up in September 2004 by the then Minister to consider the regulation of dog breeding establishments and to make recommendations on the proper management of such establishments.

Dog breeding establishments are currently unregulated, save for those which are members of the Irish Boarding Kennels and other similar groups and who submit to a form of self regulation. The recommendations of the working group were submitted to the Minister in August 2005.

The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 defines a dog breeding establishment as a premises with not less than six bitches of four months or older and capable of breeding. The Bill proposes that all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, and that they pay a registration fee and meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards.

The Bill has completed Committee Stage in the Seanad, where it was initiated on 18 December 2009. During this time, meetings have taken place between senior officials of my Department and the Irish Greyhound Board, the Irish Coursing Club, the Dogs' Trust, the Irish Kennel Club and other stakeholders to discuss their concerns. I expect Report and Final Stages to be taken in the Seanad shortly, after which the Bill will begin the legislative process in the Dáil, subject to the Dáil's Order of Business.

Regulations will be introduced following enactment of the Bill, which will set out the detailed requirements that dog breeding establishments will have to meet to comply with the legislation. The draft regulations will be subject to consultation with the interested parties.

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