Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measures in place to ensure compliance with legislation such as the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010; and his views that this is sufficient to safeguard high standards of animal welfare. [32539/11]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date he envisages for the commencement of the dog breeding Bill. [32356/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together.

The Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 provides that all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they pay a registration fee and that they meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements.

Alongside the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, separate legislation on the related issue of greyhound welfare, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, is currently proceeding through the Houses of the Oireachtas. This legislation - the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011 - will provide for the welfare of greyhounds and the regulation of greyhound breeding establishments.

The provisions of both these pieces of legislation are complementary and accordingly, it is envisaged that both pieces of legislation will be implemented in tandem. This will give wide ranging protection to all dogs in the State by registering and controlling all breeding establishments. The Welfare of Greyhounds Bill has passed all stages in the Dáil and is currently before the Seanad; I will be in a position to proceed with the commencement of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act once the Greyhound Bill has been enacted.