Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends to review his decision to exempt all commercial dogs being transported out of Ireland from having a pet passport in view of the dog welfare concerns involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16892/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I have not taken such a decision. Apart from exports to the UK (Ireland and the UK are in a common rabies free-movement zone), 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). 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.