Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1958. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of prosecutions for offences involving illegal puppy farms since new stronger regulations were introduced in 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63180/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The requirement to register with my Department as a seller or supplier of pet animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 does not apply to a person who is required to register with their local authority under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Dog breeding establishments are regulated under that Act and fall under the remit of the Minister for Rural and Community Development.

The Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 came into effect in February 2020. Extracts from the Register of Sellers have been published on www.gov.ie/registered-pet-sellers, including the pet sales registration number, the name of the seller or supplier and the county in which the premises connected to the sale or supply of pets is located. No prosecutions have been taken under these Regulations to date.

My Department is working to achieve full compliance with the regulations on advertising pet animals. My Department participates in the Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group (IPAAG), a group of animal welfare organisations, veterinary professionals and advertising platforms that address issues in relation to advertising pet animals, and engages with advertising platforms both through that group and bilaterally on the new regulations.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1959. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of sellers and suppliers of pets and animals who have registered with his Department since the new regulations in the area were introduced in 2020; the details on further actions that are required to target the sale and distribution of animals through illicit puppy farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63181/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Concern for the safety and welfare of pet animals was one of the primary reasons behind the introduction by my Department of the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 681/2019). 

These Regulations put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including minimum ages for sale of certain mammals; record-keeping; registration with the Department; and the  provision of certain information about the pet being advertised. The Regulations were welcomed by welfare organisations.

Extracts from the Register of Sellers and Suppliers of Pet Animals and the Register of Premises (name of seller or supplier, registration number and the county of the premises used in connection with the sale and supply of pets) are published on the Department's website at . The Department's website has additional guidance for potential pet owners thinking of acquiring a pet, further supporting potential purchasers in making informed decisions.

There were 1,247 pet sellers and suppliers registered on the Register of Sellers and Suppliers of Pet Animals and the Register of Premises at the end of 2021. 

While no prosecutions have been taken under these Regulations to date, two registrations have been revoked. The Department continues to develop its controls in respect of this legislation and is advancing its plans and approach to effective enforcement, working to achieve full compliance with the regulations on advertising pet animals.

My Department also participates in the Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group (IPAAG), a group of animal welfare organisations, veterinary professionals and advertising platforms that address issues in relation to advertising pet animals, and engages with advertising platforms both through that group and bilaterally on the regulations.

Every dog must be microchipped in accordance with the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015. Section 7 of the Act sets out distinct obligations for the supplier and for anyone buying or acquiring dogs. These obligations apply to all sales, including those conducted online .

The possession, movement, sale or supply of an “unchipped dog” is an offence, and may be prosecuted under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

A traceability and verification system has been developed by a website advertising dogs in conjunction with a microchipping company. I would encourage all websites to use this system.

Any evidence of animal cruelty or neglect of an animal’s welfare should be brought to the attention of my Department by calling the animal welfare helpline on 076 1064408 (Call Save) or 01 6072379 or by emailing .

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