Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Bans do not work. This ban is populist, and it is being done with a view to the election that is coming up. Why is the Minister of State not making sure that the existing laws are being implemented and enforced? This Government has been in place for five years and there has been no dent in the illegal puppy farms. I find it ironic that Ireland will have a wolfhound on its passports, given the State's track record on animal welfare and this ban of XL bullies. We do not deserve to have a wolfhound on the Irish passport. If the Minister of State has an issue with the owners, then deal with the owners. Do not kill the dogs. We have to give an extension to these dogs. Do not introduce this extreme ban. Dogs should not pay the price for irresponsible owners. We have seen in other countries that bans do not work. I ask the Minister of State to do the right thing and give the XL bully an extension and an amnesty.

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