Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
699. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a full review of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the 2018 guidelines will be completed; the scope of that review; and the steps being taken to strengthen enforcement and improve welfare standards for breeding dogs. [65386/25]
View answer700. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current resourcing allocated to local authorities for inspections of dog breeding establishments; whether he is satisfied that staffing levels are adequate; and if he will consider increasing funding to ensure consistent compliance and enforcement across all counties. [65387/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 699 and 700 together.
On 1 August 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act (2010) transferred to my Department. Local authorities retain responsibility for all operational and enforcement matters. Inspections of dog breeding establishments 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.
In July 2024, funding of €2 million was announced for local authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services in 2025. The funding is intended as a support for the hiring of up to 40 additional dog wardens and does not necessarily provide the full cost of employment. I can confirm that the funding of €2 million to support the resourcing of dog wardens is available for 2026.
On 19 November I launched a six-week public consultation process that will run up to 2 January 2026, inviting views to inform development of a new Animal Welfare Strategy for my Department for the period 2026 to 2030. I encourage and welcome the public and all interested stakeholders, including farming interests and animal welfare groups to provide feedback, comment and make recommendations to my Department with respect to the new Animal Health and Welfare Strategy that will be launched next year.
Those wishing to contribute in response to this public consultation should send feedback or submissions to animalwelfareconsultation@agriculture.gov.ie or in hard copy to Public Consultation Feedback, Animal Welfare Division, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Kildare St, Dublin 2, D02WK12
