Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 584: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans regarding the regulation of puppy farms. [5277/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 commenced second stage in the Seanad on 26 January 2010.

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 establishmentsto 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.