Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to see the highest standards achieved in any dog-breeding establishment. I certainly do not want Ireland to develop a negative reputation in this important area. Clearly, there is a market for puppies. My wife, Avril, and I took on a dog rescued through Madra. It is a shih tzu called Ciara. It was a breeding dog that we were able to rehouse. I understand the importance of the Deputy’s point, therefore. I also understand that people like to buy newborn puppies. It is important that they be treated correctly. It will certainly look into the issue the Deputy raised regarding the establishment in question. I will examine, under the guidelines, what role there may be for independent oversight.

With regard to convictions relating to establishments, the number increased from 118 in 2014 to 138 in 2016. We are awaiting the figures for 2017. Prosecutions rose from 273 to 304. The number of inspections of existing dog-breeding establishments increased from 80 in 2014 to 215 in 2016. The number of improvement notices issued in respect of applications for renewal of registration rose from zero in 2014 to ten in 2016. Certainly, people are more conscious of the importance of this area. As I stated, I will raise with the powers that be some of the issues the Deputy raised regarding the review and renewal of the guidelines.

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