Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2024
292. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the means by which the Government intend to monitor back-street dog breeders who are in breach of legislation regarding the breeding of XL bully dogs. [41877/24]
View answerSince October 1st 2024, new regulations have prohibited the importing, breeding, rehoming and selling of XL Bully type dogs.
Anyone found guilty of an offence under the regulations shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €2,500 or to imprisonment for a term of up to 3 months or both. The regulations will be enforced within the framework of the primary legislation - in this case, the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and 2014. In this context, local authorities, through the Dog Warden Service will be responsible for enforcement.
Along with my colleagues Minister O'Brien and Minister Dillon, I recently announced additional resources for the Dog Warden services from 2025. The funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce the pending ban on XL Bully type dogs.
My Department also has policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. The Act provides a regulatory framework for the licensing, monitoring and inspection of dog breeding establishments by Local Authorities and, where a serious and immediate threat exists to public health or animal health and welfare, for the closure of such establishments.
Under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010, Local Authorities are responsible for all operational activities such as the registration, inspection and regulation of Dog Breeding Establishments, including enforcement activities.
