Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 443: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reasons for the delay in closing abusive dog farms under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act; when the annual report for dog control measures will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5020/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The provisions of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 came into force from 1 January 2012.

Under this legislation, dog breeding establishments already in operation have a lead-in time of six months (i.e. until 30 June 2012) to apply to their local authority to be included in the register of dog breeding establishments. As with other dog control issues, local authorities are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the legislation locally.

I am satisfied that with the enactment of this legislation, as well as the Welfare of Greyhounds Act, 2011, we will now have a much enhanced level of protection for all dogs in the State.

The Dog Control Statistics for 2011 are currently being compiled. They are usually published during the first quarter of the following year and it is intended to publish the 2011 report in a similar timescale.