Aontú Rep for Donegal, Mary T. Sweeney says she is “absolutely delighted” that Aontú’s ‘Puppy Farm Bill’ has recently passed 2nd Stage in the Dáil and is now on its way to the 3rd Stage.
The bill aims to enhance the welfare of dogs by strengthening the regulation of dog breeding establishments and ensuring enforcement of relevant statutory provisions.
Ms Sweeney said: “Unfortunately, Ireland has a reputation amongst animal rights activists as the ‘Puppy Farm Capital of Europe.’ This is a timely Bill from Aontú as we approach Christmas.”
As of 2016, there were 73 registered puppy farms in Ireland. In 2018, this increased to as many as 258 registered dog breeding establishments. Figures show these farms are capable of producing 30,000 puppies a year. Animal welfare organisations have warned that some puppy farms have up to 500 breeding animals at any time.
Ms Sweeney said: “These figures do not include illegal puppy farm operations across the country including Donegal, which the State is struggling to tackle. This hidden world is far from what families normally see when purchasing a puppy from another family down the road who have a litter of pups. It is quite shocking and distressing.”
The Donegal general election candidate stated: “In February 2021, the ISPCA took into care 60 dogs found on an illegal puppy farm in the Midlands. In November 2020, 32 dogs were rescued from an illegal puppy farm in North Dublin with an estimated value of €150,000. Make no mistake – this is a lucrative business. These puppy ‘mills’ are inhumane, industrial-scale, breeding operations where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Also, during lockdown we witnessed a puppy pandemic boom. Many unscrupulous people saw this as an opportunity to cash in from the demand for dogs.”
Due to poor conditions in some puppy farms, animals can develop serious illnesses and ailments which have long term health consequences.
Mary T. Sweeney said: “It’s important that there are proper regulations in place for the humane treatment of dogs in these facilities. The Dog Breeding Establishments (Amendment) Bill seeks to introduce a minimum standard for animals. Under Aontú’s proposals, dogs must be kept in such a manner as to avoid unnecessary suffering; dogs must receive treatment when necessary from a veterinary practitioner and dogs must be permitted to exhibit their natural and normal behaviour in a safe environment with other dogs. In addition, Aontú’s ‘Puppy Farm 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 appointed to fulfil this role have the ability and the resources to do so.”
“This is the second animal rights bill that Aontú has introduced in the 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. We are calling on other parties to support this Bill to prevent the unnecessary suffering of animals. Aontú seeks to deliver action, not just words, on an issue that is hugely important in our communities,” concluded Ms Sweeney.
