Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 892: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will introduce regulations to implement the recommendations of the working group to review the management of dog-breeding establishments; and if he will confirm that the kennels of non-commercial clubs registered with an association (details supplied) will be fully exempt from such regulations. [12213/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Work has been ongoing for some time in my Department in drafting measures to provide for statutory regulation of dog breeding establishments within the dog control legislative regime. The issues involved are complex and required detailed consideration. This process has included discussions with a number of organisations, bodies, public agencies and interests active in this area. It is my intention to introduce amending legislation in this area which will address a number of issues. My proposals in this regard will be published as soon as possible.

The Working Group to review the management of dog breeding establishments recommended that a State regulated registration system for dog breeding establishments be put in place. It defined such establishments as premises containing more than 5 female dogs, aged over 4 months, with breeding potential. The Group also called for a comprehensive set of statutorily enforceable standards for the operation of dog breeding establishments with provision for inspections by local authority officers, and that all dogs in such establishments be electronically micro-chipped to ensure traceability and assist the enforcement of the registration system.

The group further recommended that the regulatory system be self financing. I am, however, examining the position of non-commercial dog breeding establishments, such as those identified in the Question, in relation to their exemption from registration costs, but consider that the issues of appropriate standards, inspection and traceability must apply to all relevant establishments in the interests of animal welfare.