Seanad debates
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage
3:00 pm
Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)
I wish to state my absolute love of dogs. I welcome the broad thrust of this Bill given the horrific state some dogs who have been born in puppy farms have had to endure. I do not mean to take issue with Senator Ó Brolcháin but the confusion in regard to the Hunting Association of Ireland is that a commitment was given by the Minister and his predecessor, Deputy Dick Roche, that these breeding establishments would be exempt. I am familiar with the South Westmeath Hunt. There is no question but they are the kindest people to those dogs. The bottom line is that raising puppies for a hunt is not a commercial enterprise. The whole purpose is to replenish stocks in order to have enough dogs to commit to the hunt. They are happy, lively and healthy dogs. There is a huge difference between puppy farming and that commercial side.
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