Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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457. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions his Department will take to close puppy farms. [67561/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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On 1 August 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act (2010) transferred to my Department. Under the act Local authorities retain responsibility for all operational and enforcement matters.

All dog breeding establishments (DBEs) must undergo an annual veterinary inspection. The inspections are carried out by my Department and by local authority dog wardens.

A high-level Dog Control Stakeholder Group was established last year to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. The group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. I am committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.