A Wicklow TD will bring forward new legislation tomorrow aimed at overhauling Ireland’s dog-breeding laws.
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore says the country is in the midst of a dog-welfare crisis, with more than 3,000 dogs currently in pounds and rescue centres, and abandonments surging since the pandemic.
Over 7,300 dogs entered Irish pounds in 2022 — a 77% rise on the previous year — and 340 were put down.
Deputy Whitmore says Ireland has become “the puppy-farm capital of Europe,” with up to 30,000 dogs exported every year into illegal markets abroad - a figure that could reach 100,000 when backyard breeding is included.
She said weak regulation under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 has allowed harmful practices to flourish, including breeding females as young as four months and repeated litters.
Deputy Whitmore joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.