Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The issue is whether the guidelines will improve the conditions in breeding establishments and have an impact on the sale of puppies. Our first concern relates to the local authorities' lack of ability to inspect premises properly, given that we are talking about criminal activity in some instances. The guidelines say that 24 hours' notice should be given, which means that those involved have a heads-up. Even though subsequent visits are unannounced, I do not think local authorities have enough resources to make unannounced visits. Internet sales are particularly problematic. There were 126 dogs for sale on the Internet this morning. Illegal sales are continuing at an alarming rate. There were a number of tragic cases over the summer. In May, 27 puppies were found in Scotland in a van that originated in Ireland. In July, 16 puppies were found in a horse trailer in Galway. They all died afterwards. In August, over 100 dogs were rescued by the ISPCA. Earlier this month, a man was fined over €1,000 by the District Court after 37 dogs were seized from his farm. The only penalty he received was to be banned from having dogs for 18 months. He should not be allowed to have dogs ever again. Even though the number of convictions has increased, large profits are continuing to be made from this activity, which shows no sign of receding. I think we need to monitor it constantly. We need to do more.

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