Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1273. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the number of sellers and suppliers of pets and animals who have registered with his Department in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; if he will provide further details on plans to target the sale and distribution of animals through illicit puppy farms, in particular a crackdown on online advertisements which are misleading the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37796/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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A total of 985 pet sellers were registered in 2021, 886 were registered in 2022, and 342 have been registered to date in 2023.

Earlier this year, the Pet Sellers' Registration process underwent a review, whereby a veterinary inspector must inspect the prospective seller/supplier's premises before they are approved on the Pet Sellers Register. Also as part of this review, each registration now only lasts for one year before their registration must be renewed.

My Department carries out regular spot-checks on advertisements selling pet animals on an ongoing basis and where potential breaches of the legislation are flagged, investigates further and takes action as necessary. Advertisements may remain active while an investigation is ongoing.

My Department is in ongoing contact with all online platforms who sell pet animals, advising them of the legislation, the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or supply of pet animals) Regulations 2019 (No. 681 of 2019), and requesting where necessary that this legislation is clear to sellers and potential buyers. Where a seller is reported to be in breach of the guidelines for selling pets, the advert is removed and the seller is reported to the Department's regional veterinary inspectors who work with the ISPCA and local authority, who conduct a thorough investigation including premises inspection.

Responsibility for Dog Breeding Establishments lies with the Department of Rural and Community Development as provided for by the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. An establishment keeping six or more bitches of more than six months of age capable of being used for breeding purposes falls within the scope of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Local Authorities have responsibility for registration, inspection and regulation of dog breeding establishments, including enforcement activities.

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 01 6072379 or by emailing animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1274. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to respond directly to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of the sale of puppies online despite the Government’s best efforts to address these illicit sales; if anything can be done to target sites such as the one referred to in the correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37808/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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It is a requirement for any seller of pet animals to adhere to the guidelines set out in the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (No. 681 of 2019), which came into operation on 1st February 2020.

While I cannot comment directly on individual cases, I would like to inform the Deputy that my Department monitors activities in relation to pet sales and where potential breaches of the legislation are flagged, investigates further and takes action as necessary. Advertisements may remain active while an investigation is ongoing.

Responsibility for Dog Breeding Establishments lies with the Department of Rural and Community Development as provided for by the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. An establishment keeping six or more bitches of more than six months of age capable of being used for breeding purposes falls within the scope of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Local Authorities have responsibility for registration, inspection and regulation of dog breeding establishments, including enforcement activities.

Where animals are sold online, the owners or administrators of the websites must be vigilant of advertisements and where breaches of the guidelines have been found or are reported, advertisements must be investigated and removed where appropriate. Where sellers are in breach of the regulations, my Department initiates the process of revocation of the pet sellers license and in the case of breeding establishments, the appropriate Local Authority will take any necessary action.

In cases where an animal health issue has been brought to the attention of my Department we instruct the website to remove the advert immediately and the owner of the advert is then reported to our Regional Veterinary Office Veterinary Inspectors, who liaise with the ISPCA and Local Authorities as necessary to conduct a premises check and take action as appropriate.

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 01 6072379 or by emailing animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.