Written answers

Wednesday, 24 March 2010

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Legislative Programme

9:00 pm

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will exclude packs of hounds maintained by the hunt clubs from the terms of the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009, as committed to by his predecessors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13303/10]

Photo of John GormleyJohn 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.

The Bill proposes that all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, and that they pay a registration fee and 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, I decided to provide an exemption in the legislation in respect of the payment of registration fees. The HAI has made it clear that their premises operate in accordance with comprehensive and appropriate voluntary standards. Accordingly, I do not consider that this aspect of the proposed legislative regime should cause difficulty to their members.

Regulations will be introduced following enactment of the Bill and 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. These draft Regulations will guidelines will be subject to consultation with interested parties, including the HAI. to meet the requirements of the legislation.

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