Regulation of puppy farms to be debated in Dáil as dogs kept in 'horrendous conditions'

Animal welfare charities and rescue centres are being left to pick up the pieces in the absence of proper dog breeding regulations, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.

Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on agriculture, was speaking ahead of Wednesday's Dáil debate on her Dog Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2025, which is seeking to add more restrictions to dog breeding in Ireland.

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She said:

“Ireland holds the dubious distinction of being the puppy farm capital of Europe, with 30,000 dogs exported annually into illegal markets in the UK, Europe and Asia. This figure increases by 70,000 if you take backyard breeders into account, where hundreds of female dogs are often kept in horrendous conditions.

“In 2022, 7,352 dogs entered Irish pounds – a 77 per cent increase on 2021 – and 340 were euthanised.

“This scandalous situation has arisen because of weak regulation under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. It means females as young as four months can be bred, with no maximum age, and they can have up to six litters in their lifetimes. Ireland’s inadequate laws have left the door open to unregistered breeding and allowed harmful practices like surgical insemination to remain legal.

“That is why I introduced the Dog Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2025, which will be debated at second stage in the Dáil today (Wednesday, December 10).

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“The legislation was drafted in consultation with Hannah Unger, Carrie McMeel and Demi Mullen from Dog Law Ireland, an advocacy group made up of three lawyers who provided their services for free. This Bill has been informed by their expertise and passion for animal welfare.

“It contains several key measures to strengthen the 2010 act. These include capping the number of breeding females at 30 per site; introducing a 16-month minimum age for breeding and eight-year maximum age; a maximum of one litter per year per breeding female; a maximum of four litters per breeding female during her lifetime; a minimum age of 10 weeks for pup separation; the outlawing of surgical artificial insemination; and updating fee structures to reflect new welfare standards.

“In addition, the legislation would also mandate a 1:10 staff-to-animal ratio to allow for proper care.

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“The reality is that puppy farm owners do not care about these dogs – they are only concerned with making money. It’s a lucrative industry that profits from cruelty and treats animal welfare as an afterthought.

“We must do everything we can to eliminate cruel practices when it comes to dog breeding. In the absence of proper regulation, animal welfare charities and rescue centres will continue to be left to pick up the pieces.”