Dogs Trust Ireland have presented 59,907 signatures to Deputy James Lawless, Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, calling for tougher punishments for puppy farmers.
The organisation launched an emotive campaign called ‘Puppy Farms are a Life Sentence’ to highlight the cruelty and suffering endured by dogs who live on puppy farms and the often-lenient punishments given to those who contravene the law last November.
As part of the campaign they asked the public to support the call for tougher penalties by signing their online petition.
Speaking about the petition, Deputy Lawless said: “Organisations like Dogs Trust see so many dogs coming in from puppy farms with significant behavioural problems.
“This is why it’s so important that there is greater enforcement on those who act outside of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, especially those who are engaged in illegal puppy farming.
“As part of the government’s drive to review and improve legislation in this area, work is ongoing to identify any necessary legislative amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 that may be required.
“We know that better socialised puppies, housed in appropriate accommodation, make for better pets. There must be zero tolerance for the cruelty or neglect of any puppy or dog.”
Suzie Carley, Executive Director of Dogs Trust Ireland, said: “As a charity, we are often left to pick up the medical and behavioural expenses of getting these poor dogs to a condition where they can be rehomed.
“It is soul destroying to see the meagre penalties incurred by those responsible, which is often less than they would charge for one puppy.
“It’s not a deterrent and will not help to stamp out this vile trade, we want to see change.”
