Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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469. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dogs entering here each year under the EU pet travel scheme (details supplied); the countries of origin; the number of dogs entering here each year under Council Directive 92/65/EEC; the countries of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9621/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The movement of companion animals (cats, dogs, ferrets) within the EU, and from non-EU countries into the EU, is governed by EU Regulation 576/2013. Companion animals, including pet dogs, are free to move between EU Member States and from certain other European countries and territories into the EU (Andorra, Gibraltar, Greenland and the Faroe islands, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City State), once they are accompanied by their owners (within five days of entry into Ireland) and have the correct identification documentation - an EU pet passport or an EU Annex IV health certificate, are microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and, in respect of dogs, treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) as necessary.

It is not a requirement under the Pet Travel Regulation to keep a record of the numbers of companion animals entering Ireland from other EU member states and for this reason, my Department does not hold such records. Companion animals, including dogs entering Ireland from other EU Member States and certain European listed countries/territories are subject to spot checks on entry – not every dog must be checked for compliance with the Pet Travel Regulation.

There is, however, a requirement under the Pet Travel Regulation to keep a record of compliance checks carried out on companion animals entering Ireland directly from non-EU countries (apart from those listed above).

Pet dogs entering Ireland from non-EU countries (apart from those listed above) must be presented at the port of entry for checking.

The following table shows recorded checks of pet cats and dogs carried out on entry into Ireland from non-EU countries.

Source: DAFM ports of entry

Commercial movements of dogs, and unaccompanied movements of pet dogs

Unaccompanied movements of pet dogs and commercial movement of dogs, within the EU, and from a non-EU country into the EU, are governed by Council Directive 92/65/EEC (the "Balai Directive"). Unaccompanied movements are those that occur more than five days before or after the movement of the owner. Commercial movements include movements for the purpose of rehoming, or a change of ownership. Dogs moved into Ireland from another EU Member State or from certain, listed countries into Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport and a health certificate issued by the authorities of the country of origin, be microchipped, have a valid rabies vaccination and be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) as necessary.

Before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian, who must verify that the animals show no obvious signs of disease and are fit to be transported.

If the premises of origin is in another EU MS, it must be registered with the authorities in advance of the export.

These procedures ensure that only healthy dogs, over the age of 15 weeks, are allowed to be exported.

Exporters must also comply with national and EU law on the protection of animals during transport. The transport of animals by air is also governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

There are no direct movements of unaccompanied pet dogs or commercial movements into Ireland from non-EU countries, as Ireland does not currently allow such movements. Imports from such countries however can be processed through other Member States.

The following table shows the number of movements into Ireland of unaccompanied pet dogs and commercial movements, from EU Member States and listed European countries/territories.

Unaccompanied pet dogs/commercial movements from EU Member States and European countries/territories listed above

Source: TRACES

The following table shows the number of movements of unaccompanied pet dogs and commercial movements, from non-EU countries.

Unaccompanied pet dog/commercial movements from non-EU countries through other EU Member States

Source: TRACES