Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he will take to ensure that the EU regulation 2006 applies to the commercial export of live dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7093/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations governs the transport of live animals, with certain aspects implemented by European Communities (Animal Transport and Control Post) Regulations 2006 SI No 675 of 2006. My Department implements this legislation in regard to the transport of live dogs. In that context my Department has authorised 8 transporters to export dogs. If any information regarding contravention of existing legislation is brought to the attention of my Department, this information will be acted on.

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 278: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has information on the export market and trade in puppies and young dogs; the estimated number of puppies and dogs transported through the ferry ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7095/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Under Regulation (EC) No. 998/2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the movement of pet animals there is free movement of pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) between Ireland and the UK, a rabies free zone. Apart from exports to the UK, all dogs exported from Ireland, both commercial and non-commercial, must be accompanied by a pet passport. This passport is issued by my Department on foot of identification micro-chipping by the Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP). Almost 5,000 passports were issued during 2009, the vast majority for pet (non-commercial) dogs and cats. The PVP subsequently completes sections in the passport concerning rabies vaccination and, in the case of commercial exports, health and fitness to travel, after which the animal concerned may be moved at a time to be decided by the owner. As the official documentation required for moving both pet dogs and commercial dogs is the pet passport, my Department has no specific information on the number of dogs exported from Ireland for commercial purposes.