The Dog Breeding Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2021 successfully passed the second stage in the Oireachtas yesterday. The Bill seeks to introduce a minimum standard for animals and increases the penalty for breaking 'puppy farms' regulations.
It also focuses on amending the definition of "authorised person" in the Act to ensure those who are specifically appointed to fulfil this role have the ability and the resources to do so. Aontú leader and Meath west TD, Peadar Tobin said the Bill will now progress to Committee Stage.
He added the Bill was timely as dogs were poplar Christmas gifts but warned that Ireland was regarded as the puppy farm capital of Europe with over 250 registered dog breeding sites across the country. “Our bill seeks to introduce a minimum standard for animals.
"Under the law, dogs must be kept in such a manner as to avoid unnecessary suffering. Dogs must receive treatment when necessary from a veterinary practitioner. Dogs must be permitted to exhibit their natural and normal behaviour and to have the company of other dogs where safe.
"The Aontú Bill increases the penalty for breaking the law in terms of puppy farms and amends the definition of 'authorised person' in the Act to ensure those who are specifically appointed to fulfil this role have the ability and the resources to do so.
“This is the second animal rights bill that Aontú has now introduced in this Dáil. The Criminal Justice Bill 2020 was introduced at the end of last year to create a minimum 10 month prison sentence for those caught stealing family pets," Deputy Tóibín said.
