Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 600: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangements in place to monitor so-called puppy farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9615/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The principal statutes governing animal welfare are the protection of animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for that legislation, including any proposals for amendment, is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Food.

A working group to review the management of dog breeding establishments nationally was appointed in September 2004. The group was established in response to a number of cases of mistreatment of dogs on so called puppy farms. The terms of reference of the group were "to examine the current position regarding management of kennels and to make recommendations for such improvements, including better regulation, as it considers necessary in this area".

The report of the working group was submitted to me on 7 September 2005. On 20 October 2005, I announced a public consultation process on foot of the working group's report indicating that in view of the many divergent views on the issue, I wanted to canvass public opinion more widely before taking final decisions on the matter. An advertisement inviting submissions was placed in the national newspapers on Monday, 24 October 2005. The closing date for receipt of submissions was Friday, 16 December 2005. The responses received are being examined in my Department at present and as soon as this exercise is completed I will consider further the recommendations in the report of the working group and determine an appropriate response.