Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I refer to section 13(9), in which a bitch is defined as being "a bitch of more than 4 months old that is capable of being used for breeding purposes". Who in their right mind would have bitches breeding after four months? Who is advising the Minister in this regard? I do not wish to be emotive and I do not believe I was emotive earlier. I certainly am not a headline grabber in this House. However, I like to deal with practicalities and the Minister likewise should deal in a practical manner in this regard. Who advised the Minister that people are breeding bitches at four months old? This is absolutely crazy. How could anyone support a section of a Bill that refers to bitches for breeding purposes at more than four months? It is ludicrous and no one could support this.