Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
458. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the number of puppy farms that have been shut down by agents and agencies of his Department for each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29443/26]
View answer459. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the work ongoing to address claims in relation to puppy farms in operation in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29444/26]
View answerOn 1 August 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 transferred to my Department. Under the Act, local authorities are responsible for operational and enforcement matters and have a range of powers available, including the issuing of a closure notice where appropriate. My Department does not hold information on the number of closures of dog breeding establishments. This information can be requested from local authorities directly.
A high-level Dog Control Stakeholder Group was established in 2024 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 imminently.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.
The dedicated e-mail address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
Question No. 459 answered with Question No. 458.
