Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 469: 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. [27466/09]

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. Following advice, it is my intention to introduce amending legislation which will facilitate the implementation of the recommendations of the Working Group which reviewed the management of dog breeding establishments. My proposals in this regard are at an advanced stage and will be published as soon as possible.

With regard to groups affiliated to the Association referred to, I propose to exempt such groups from the payment of registration fees. However, in order to ensure that proper veterinary and general welfare standards exist in those dog breeding establishments, which the Working Group recommended should be defined as 'a premises containing more than 5 female dogs, aged over 4 months, with breeding potential', it is my intention that all relevant dog breeding establishments will be required to comply with specific statutory guidelines in this area and be subject to regulation, registration and inspection by the appropriate local authority. In this regard I will be guided by professional veterinary advice. As the Association referred to informs me that its members operate to a high standard at present, it is not expected that the new regulatory regime will place a significant additional burden on its affiliated groups.