Power criticises government failure to implement puppy farm legislation

Dublin North East Senator Averil Power has criticised the Government’s failure to implement the puppy farm legislation which was passed by the Oireachtas last year. 

According to Senator Power, “The cruel reality of puppy farms was exposed again in a TV3 special report last night. All over the country, puppies are being bred in filthy conditions, with no exercise or socialisation. Unscrupulous puppy farmers are making money from animals which are destined to have ongoing physical and emotional problems.

“The ISPCA and other animal welfare organisations are severely hampered in their efforts to prevent such cruelty because the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan has failed to sign the necessary commencement orders to give effect to the new legislation.  This legislation, drawn up by the previous Governemnt, is ready to go and has widespread approval. It would bring about higher standards in dog breeding, outlawing some of the current cruel practices.  The delays in implementing this are completely unnecessary.

"I am calling on the Government to implement the new legislation without delay. I am also urging them to take other steps to tackle animal cruelty in Ireland and to help reduce the number of unwanted dogs in the country,” Senator Power concluded.