Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 521: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he proposes to update the legislation on the control of dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29239/07]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 535: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are obstacles to fulfilling the commitment made to publish the regulations governing the management of dog breeding establishments and outlawing puppy farms before the end of 2007. [29500/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 521 and 535 together.

Regulations to give effect to the recommendations of the Working Group to Review the Management of Dog Breeding Establishments are being prepared in my Department and I hope to have them finalised as soon as possible.

Matters relating to animal welfare are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. In that regard, there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce a comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill updating existing legislation in this area.