Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 480: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to prepare national health and welfare standards in respect of commercial dog breeding establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3572/10]

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 489: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding breeding establishment legislation; the further position regarding new legislation or regulation under Section 19 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986 following the working groups final report; when same will be brought forward. [3136/10]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 506: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will prepare national health and welfare standards for commercial dog breeding establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3621/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 489, 480 and 506 together.

I published the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 on 22 December 2009.

The Bill contains provision to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that reviewed the management of dog breeding establishments. A dog breeding establishment is defined in the Bill as a premises with not less than 6 bitches of 4 months old capable of breeding.

The Bill proposes that all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, pay a registration fee and meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. Regulations will be introduced following its enactment and these will set out the detailed criteria for dog breeding establishments Guidelines for dog breeding establishments to meet the requirements of the legislation will be introduced by way of Regulations following enactment of the Bill. The draft Regulations will be subject to consultation with interested parties. to meet the requirements of the legislation.

In addition, my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Brendan Smith, T.D., is preparing an Animal Health and Welfare Bill.