Johnny Brady (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I welcome this opportunity to contribute to the debate on The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009. The Bill is a necessary piece of legislation. Unfortunately, we have all seen on our screens the severe cruelty inflicted on dogs on so-called puppy farms and this Bill will ensure that Ireland will no longer be a haven for unscrupulous breeders. In 2008, over 10,000 stray or unwanted dogs were put to sleep in Ireland's dog pounds. Ireland currently does not have the standards in place that are present in other countries, thus ensuring that unscrupulous breeders are able to take full advantage of our existing controls.

Breeding establishments are currently inspected by dog wardens and county vets from the local councils. In most instances a good job is done, but unfortunately there are problems. We need new guidelines to protect our dogs and our puppies. The number of dogs destroyed each year is totally abhorrent. We must put an end to the abuse of animals for profit.

This Bill was drafted in accordance with the recommendations of the working group to review the management of dog breeding establishments which reported in June 2005. A dog breeding establishment is defined in the bill as a premises with no fewer than six bitches of four months old capable of breeding. The limit of no fewer than six bitches will exclude the vast majority of cases where people rear dogs as pets.

In order to obtain a broad range of views on the issue, the working group was comprised of representatives from a number of bodies, including the Veterinary Council of Ireland, the Irish Greyhound Board, the Irish Kennel Club, the Dog Breeders Association of Ireland and the ISPCA. Interested members of the public were invited to make submissions to the group by way of a notice in the national press on the 4 October 2004, thus ensuring that the process was not restrictive.

This Bill is about bringing laws in Ireland in line with international best practice. It will be good for Ireland's international image and will protect the welfare of dogs. It has been alleged that the legislation is part of a greater anti-countryside conspiracy. My contention is that barbaric animal cruelty demands legislation. The purpose of the Bill is to safeguard the health and welfare of dogs. People are seriously concerned about the inhumane cruelty that has been perpetrated. This is a national concern and it is not confined to rural Ireland.

I want to put on record my own personal experience. Having spent a life time supporting two local hunt clubs on my doorstep, I cannot speak highly enough of the care these clubs provide for their animals. Hunting has a long tradition in my area. I have visited these local kennels many times and like many rural supporters over the years, I have watched with great delight and pride as these fine dogs set out on their day's hunt.

There are amendments needed to this Bill. In consultation with local clubs, I am seeking changes. Imposing extra costs on hunts and thereby putting jobs at risks in the current circumstances is not acceptable. Kennelling is an example. Hounds hunt as a pack because they are pack animals. It is not realistic to insist that they are individually kennelled. I would go so far as to say that this will cause chaos among hounds when they then come together in a hunting situation.

As hunt kennels are not commercial operations, they have little option to improve their income. Hounds can be swopped but not sold. Local kennels provide a necessary service not only in removing dead animals from farms but in taking away a dead cat or dog from a household or when one is found dead on a local road or street. On behalf of hunt kennels, I am seeking further amendments, in accordance with commitments given, and I appeal for a full exemption of hunt kennels registered with the Hunting Association of Ireland.

There is a provision for an increase in the cost of individual dog licences. The cost of an individual dog licence has not been increased since 1998. More than 215,000 licences were issued in 2008, providing an income of €2.8 million to local authorities. However, the administration costs for this were €5.7 million, representing a shortfall of €2.9 million.

Breeding establishments are defined as having six or more entire bitches; those with fewer will not be included in the proposed legislation. Small breeders will not be affected by the legislation. A well run breeding facility has nothing to fear from the new proposals.

Some dog breeders have expressed fears that the dog breeding legislation will be enforced by unqualified animal welfare workers. It will be members of the Local Authority Veterinary Service, a professional body comprising of what may be termed "Government vets", who will oversee fair and reasonable implementation of the Bill.

The intensive dog breeding industry has acknowledged that approximately 90,000 puppies are bred annually of which 45,000 are exported overseas, primarily to the United Kingdom. This trade in puppies is valued at €29 million. Permanent identification of these pups before they leave the premises is essential in order to identify the origin of the puppy.

Up to now the issue of dog control has been governed by the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 1991. This legislation seems to have worked effectively but clearly needs updating in regard to regulations dealing with dog breeding establishments.

The provisions of this Bill will not hold any fear for those who run their establishments well and who have established quality premises and practices in co-operation with their local veterinary practices. I am also concerned about the extra costs to local hunt clubs that would apply under this legislation. It is a requirement of the proposed legislation that each dog in a dog breeding establishment be microchipped. This provision builds on existing practice, whereby a dog that is registered with a dog breeders' association or a breed association is generally microchipped for the purpose of registration and verifying bloodlines.

The Bill will hopefully put an end to backstreet dog-breeders and will benefit commercial breeders who do a good job and treat their animals humanely. It will protect dogs in our breeding establishments, whether they are bred for sale as pets or for racing and will improve the reputation of the Irish dog breeding industry.

Concerns were expressed over the implications for greyhound breeders, trainers and the many people employed in the industry. This is another area where my colleagues and I have sought amendments. Regulation of the greyhound industry should be made through amendments to the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. I welcome that the Minister has asked the Minister, Deputy Smith, to do this.

I appeal to the Minister, Deputy Gormley, to make the amendments necessary that will ensure that this Bill fits the purpose for which it is before the House. That is to bring an end to the cruelty perpetrated on dogs on so called puppy farms.

I have no problem with what is proposed applying to commercial for profit establishments but it should not apply to not for profit organisations such as the greyhound association and the Hunting Association of Ireland. Animal welfare is a number one priority for these people. If the Minister wanted to visit some of the hunting kennels or greyhound establishments, I would arrange for him do so and I would welcome that. I hope that the proposed amendments to the Bill will be to the satisfaction of everyone concerned.

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