New legislation covering puppy dog farms has been called for by the Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).
The organisation called for new laws following the discovery of 150 adult dogs and puppies at a kennels in Co Wexford. Mr Brendan Hughes, Inspector with the ISPCA, said some of the dogs were in very poor condition.
Today's discovery was the latest in a series of similar investigations by the ISPCA.
According to the ISPCA many of the dogs in the Co Wexford farm were due to be transported France where they were expected to sell for up to €800 an animal.
The dogs have been taken off the farm to private kennels.
Progressive Democrats TD Ms Fiona O'Malley said: "Today's discovery follows two recent high-profile cases in Laois/ Offaly and in North Tipperary where dogs were being kept in very poor conditions. The public are playing their part by reporting incidents of abuse to the ISPCA.
"Indeed, up to 30 farms are currently under investigation. Now the Government needs to respond by introducing legislation to license these puppy farms."
Deputy O'Malley called on the Department of the Environment to bring forward
appropriate legislation as soon as possible.