Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1660. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the current cost of, and estimated cost of doubling, inspections of dog breeding establishments; if he will investigate animal cruelty allegations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35959/17]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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The regulation of dog breeding establishments is a matter for local authorities in accordance with the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and I have no function in this matter.

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions - including any inspection of dog breeding establishments - of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.

The enforcement of welfare standards regarding all animals, including dogs, is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.  It is important that members of the public continue to report suspected cases of cruelty to dogs, and indeed of suspected cruelty to any animal, to the appropriate authorities.