Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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991. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to improve the enforcement of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45846/18]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010.  The Act provides for guidelines to be put in place for the management and operation of Dog Breeding Establishments. Following a public consultation process, my Department published new Guidelines in July of this year and these will come into effect on 1 January 2019.

I want to see high standards achieved by Dog Breeding Establishments in Ireland.  Having published the new Guidelines, my Department is now identifying any necessary legislative amendments that may be required in the Act to further improve standards.

Under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010, local authorities are responsible for operational activities such as the registration, inspection and regulation of Dog Breeding Establishments, including enforcement activities.