Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 659: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the basis on which the age of four months defined as the age at which a bitch would be classed as a breeding bitch in respect of the Dog Breeding Bill 2009 when it is physiologically impossible for a bitch of this age to come in season or produce a live litter. [13047/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 defines a dog breeding establishment as a premises at which are kept not less than 6 bitches, each of which is more than 4 months old and capable of being used for breeding purposes. This reflects the recommendation of the Working Group to review the management of dog breeding establishments. While it is acknowledged that a breeding bitch will not breed at 4 months, the definition is designed to ensure that all breeding bitches, no matter how early they are bred, are included.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 660: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason kennels are to be classed as dog breeding establishments based on the number of bitches in that kennel as opposed to the number of litters produced there in respect of the Dog Breeding Bill 2009. [13048/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 proposes to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that reviewed the management of dog breeding establishments. The Bill defines a dog breeding establishment as a premises with not less than 6 bitches of 4 months old, capable of breeding, which reflects the recommendations of the Working Group. The Group concluded that the number of litters would not provide a suitable basis for defining dog breeding establishments as 'constant supervision would be required to ensure compliance.'