Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The problem with inspections is that they are scheduled by appointment and, therefore, the dog breeding establishment knows when the inspector is coming. There needs to be on-the-spot appointments. If a fault is found, a notice is given to improve. Enforcement is not strong enough.

There are two other aspects, one of which is related to revenue. We need to consider the number of dog breeding establishments in Ireland and their revenue. I have been trying to pursue that with the Minister. There is also a serious environmental issue. Hundreds of dogs are being bred on puppy farms and there is the issue of dog poop and what is happening in that regard.

In his response to a Topical Issue matter I raised with the Minister previously, he agreed that the scope of the existing guidelines need to be enhanced because they are benign. They represent a minimal standard that is no longer acceptable. We need to move much more radically on this issue.

Responsibility for animal welfare comes under three Departments - the Minister of State's Department, and the Departments of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

When it falls between the cracks like that, abuses take place.

Another question is whether puppy farms should exist at all. Puppies are not livestock and are not bred for slaughter or food production. I hope that the guidelines will be more robust and have severe enforcement aspects.

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