Seanad debates

Wednesday, 3 March 2010

Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed)

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Rónán MullenRónán Mullen (Independent)

We might be getting into the politics of the bedroom somewhat but having heard what Senator Coffey said, I am inclined to think this is a matter that can be left to veterinary surgeons and breeders. Without knowing much about it, it strikes me that the proposed amendments relating to the breeding are reasonable.

Regarding the third amendment, I have tabled an amendment requiring micro-chipping for dogs over eight weeks old or at least before they leave the kennel. There may be some merit in the exclusion of greyhounds from that if the grounds for such an exclusion are based on animal welfare.

Comments

Conor Power
Posted on 6 Mar 2010 1:22 pm (Report this comment)

Most responsible breeders will have an issue with micro-chipping pups at eight weeks old as the pups will not at that stage have completed their vaccinations. A responsible breeder will not want a visitor to the kennel at that stage, especially if the visitor has visited kennels where other pre-vaccination pups are being kept. Anyone carrying out micro-chipping on a commercial basis will obviously be visiting numerous kennels and will be a prime candidate for carrying viruses from one batch of pups to the next.

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