Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has drawn up a list of large dog farms producing puppies for commercial gain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37586/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Work is under way in drafting an amendment to the Control of Dogs Acts and I hope to publish my proposals in the near future. The draft Bill proposes to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the working group that had been established to review the management of dog breeding establishments. The working group recommended that a dog breeding establishment be defined as 'a premises containing more than five female dogs, aged over four months, with breeding potential'.

The draft Bill proposes that dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they pay a registration fee and that they meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. The operation of the dog control regime is a matter for individual local authorities.

I intend to publish the draft Bill as soon as possible.

Question No. 259 answered with Question No. 256.