Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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32. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current regulations for dog shelters, boarding kennels, dog breeders; and behaviourists and trainers working with dogs; if he considers there are gaps in the regulations which are causing poor standards in the treatment of dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34209/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 Act apply to the premises and the persons referred to by the Deputy. The Act is designed to protect the health and welfare of all animals, irrespective of species, whether kept for commercial, domestic, sport, show or for other purposes. Under the Act, the penalties are as high as can be permitted under our legal system such that on summary conviction, a person can be fined up to €5,000 and/or sentenced to up to 6 months imprisonment; on conviction on indictment, a fine of up to €250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 5 years may be imposed. There is provision for fixed penalty payments for lesser offences. The Act provides the framework within which the welfare of animals can be safeguarded and I am hopeful that the substantial and significantly increased levels of penalties for offences of animal cruelty provided for under the Act will act as a deterrent to animal welfare abuses. Therefore, I am satisfied that the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides a robust vehicle to enable the respective authorities to investigate and, if necessary, prosecute any breaches of the welfare provisions of the Act by dog shelters, boarding kennels, dog breeders and behaviourists or trainers.

As the Deputy is aware, I am fully committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals and my Department devotes considerable resources to protecting animal welfare and in dealing with breaches of animal welfare legislation. My Department operates an Animal Welfare Hotline on which members of the public can report suspected incidents of animal neglect. All such reports are followed up by officers of my Department. If there are any specific allegations about individuals or organisations they can be notified to the Animal Welfare Hotline.