Gormley sets out position on 'puppy farms'

FIANNA FÁIL TDs and Senators seeking to amend proposed legislation that would regulate so-called “puppy farms” said they were satisfied with the outcome of a meeting last night with Minister for the Environment John Gormley.

Significant changes to the Dog Breeders Establishment Bill are not expected, however.

The Green Party leader was addressing the Fianna Fail parliamentary party for the first time.

Mr Gormley was invited to discuss the Bill which began life in the Seanad and has yet to come to the Dáil. It is due to proceed to committee stage in the upper house this morning.

Before Mr Gormley arrived, Fianna Fáil representatives discussed the proposed legislation at a well-attended meeting addressed by Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

Carlow-Kilkenny TD Bobby Aylward moved a motion calling for amendments to the Bill “where dog breeders will be severely affected by the financial and legal obligations as currently proposed”.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Aylward said he was pleased with the meeting with Mr Gormley.

“I’m very satisfied with the meeting, very pleased with the response of the Minister. He clarified some concerns we have and said he would look at other points,” he said. “I’m happy that we will have a Bill we can live with.”

A spokesman for Mr Gormley said the Minister outlined the reasons for the Bill and explained why it was necessary to have a comprehensive inspection regime in place for all dog-breeding establishments.

Mr Aylward and others put forward dog breeders’ objections which include the increase in dog licence fees and the levels of penalties that could be imposed for breaches of the proposed legislation, as well as the circumstances under which dogs would be microchipped.

He has asked for the proposed legislation to be changed to allow dogs breed three times in two years, instead of once a year. Mr Aylward said Mr Gormley had invited members of the parliamentary party to put any concerns they might have in writing.

Mr Cowen is understood to have given Mr Gormley a synopsis of what was discussed, emphasising his own rural roots when he spoke.

Before Mr Gormley arrived, more than 12 speakers are understood to have spoken in favour of amending the legislation.