Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

We are all in favour of legislation to deal with the dastardly practices of abusive puppy farms. The then Minister, Deputy Dick Roche initiated the Bill. Abusive practices must be stopped and people must be prosecuted for shameful practices. There is no sense or meaning in trying to define a breeding bitch by her age in months. I have had many cordial debates with the Minister on this, but we have not reached a position that makes sense. As Deputy Sheehan states when they breed, they are then a breeding animal.

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