Ireland Puppy Mill Ban Begins

On January 1, 2012, two laws went into effect to ban puppy mills and improve the conditions of Irish dogs used for breeding. The Dog Welfare Establishments Act of 2010, although passed in 2010, gave dog breeders until New Year's Day 2012 to comply with new rules or face stiff fines. Local officials and veterinarians have been given the power to inspect all dog breeding premises and shut down any deemed cruel.

Additionally, the Greyhound Welfare Bill of 2011, passed in November, helps the much-maligned racing and coursing greyhounds of Ireland. Greyhounds were specifically targeted for this bill in order to stop mass exports of recently retired racing dogs to China. China is known as a dog-eating nation and has a dismal animal-rights record.

Law Specifics

All puppies whelped in Ireland must be given a microchip which includes the breeder's contact information. All dog breeders in Ireland should now be registered with local authorities. Any unregistered dog breeder is to be immediately shut down. Additional provisions for dogs include:

• All dogs to be given bedding material
• All dogs to receive exercise
• Females can only produce one litter per year
• All dogs must be given food and water
• All dogs must live in clean housing

To help pay for enforcing these laws, Ireland's dog license fees have raised by 7.50 Euros. Owners of multiple dogs need to purchase a special license for 400 Euros.

The Greyhound Welfare Bill of 2011 states that local officials can inspect greyhound breeder's kennels and transportation vehicles and leave written notices of any violations found. The breeder has less than a month to comply, although they are given one week to appeal with the District Court. No limitations were set on how many dogs a person could own as long as all of the dogs were healthy and taken care of.

About Puppy Mills

Imagine sitting in a wire mesh cage with nine other people. You have to fight for your share of food with the other nine people. You barely have enough room to lie down. You never leave the cage. You have to sleep in your own urine and feces. You breed with the other people and your babies are taken away. When you are no longer fertile, you are shot, electrocuted, drowned or strangled. This is the life of a puppy mill dog.

Puppy mills came into existence after World War II when pet stores began springing up. Although many pet stores no longer sell puppies, puppy mill breeders sell pups over the internet, often pretending to be rescues. Puppy mills are allowed in America.

References

IrishCentral. "Long awaited legislation outlaws puppy farming in Ireland." Cathal Dervan. January 2, 2012. http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Long-awaited-legislation-outlaws-puppy-farming-in-Ireland-136523433.html

BestFreiends.org. "Ireland bans puppy mills!" Sharon St. Joan. January 7, 2012. http://network.bestfriends.org/18010/news.aspx

Envirolib. "Minister Hogan announces commencement of Dog Breeding Establishments Act." December 21, 2011. http://envirolib.org/press-releases/government-press-releases/ireland/minister-hogan-announces-commencement-of-dog-breeding-establishments-act/