Strict standards will be introduced to regulate Ireland's dog breeding industry, it emerged today.
The Minister for the Environment Dick Roche today revealed plans to implement recommendations by a working group set up to review the management of dog breeding establishments.
It found a need to introduce statutorily enforceable standards for the dog breeding industry in Ireland and proposed the introduction of a registration system for establishments.
"I am aware that there are strongly held opinions out there on how best to provide a properly administered and supervised structure for dog breeding in Ireland," said Minister Roche.
"Having considered the many divergent views on the issue, I have decided to proceed with the implementation of the majority recommendations of the Working Group. Officials from my Department will now, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Food, commence working on the introduction of the new system."
The Working Group was appointed in September 2004 in response to a number of cases of mistreatment of dogs on so-called puppy farms and includes prominent veterinary surgeon Finbarr Heslin and representatives from a number of animal organisations.
It includes representatives from a number of relevant organisations including the Veterinary Council of Ireland, the Dog Breeders Association of Ireland, the Irish Kennel Club, the Irish Greyhound Board and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.