Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 389: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide an undertaking to exclude hunt packs from the new puppy farm legislation as indicated by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35424/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Work is underway in drafting an amendment to the Control of Dogs Acts and I hope to publish my proposals in the near future. The process has included discussions with a number of organisations, bodies, public agencies and interests active in the area. The draft Bill proposes to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that had been established to review the management of dog breeding establishments. The Group recommended that a dog breeding establishment be defined as 'a premises containing more than 5 female dogs, aged over 4 months, with breeding potential'. The draft Bill proposes that dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they pay a registration fee and that they meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements.

The Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI) made submissions to me in relation to their activities and the nature of these. As a consequence and in recognition of the "not for profit" basis of these activities, and as communicated to the HAI directly and in response to representations on their behalf, I decided to provide exemption in the legislation in respect of the payment of registration fees. The HAI has made clear that their premises operate in accordance with comprehensive and appropriate standards. Accordingly, I do not consider that this aspect of the legislative regime should cause difficulty to their members.