Dog Breeding Establishments

Choc Chip

So, I'm sure everyone is aware that new draft guidelines have been published for "dog breeding establishments": http://www.housing.gov.ie/review-dog-breeding-establishments

From a quick skim this evening, they seem a tad vague and I'm not sure how enforceable some of the conditions would be (particularly around socialisation and exercise - I just don't see how this would be monitored).

I was also disappointed not to see particular health tests required for specific breeds. I think that would actually go some way towards bringing the costs for puppy-farmed pups in line with reputable breeders and maybe leveling the playing field somewhat.

So... any other thoughts/ observations? Am I hugely naive to think that these will have any difference at all on puppy farms?

Nody

Choc Chip wrote: »

So... any other thoughts/ observations? Am I hugely naive to think that these will have any difference at all on puppy farms?

Yes you would be as they would get around it by lying/cheating/rounding the laws intent but following the letter of it by poxy alternatives.

Choc Chip

Nody wrote: »

Yes you would be as they would get around it by lying/cheating/rounding the laws intent but following the letter of it by poxy alternatives.

So if you think the new guidelines are hopeless, would you direct your attention at educating the people buying puppies... or do you just think that Ireland's reputation as the puppy farming capital of Europe is irredeemable and there is nothing we can do about the situation?

DBB

The first step in a legislative sense is to participate in the public consultation that's open til the end of February.
The more people that express an opinion that compels better welfare standards, the better.
The initial consultation process that happened ahead of the drafting of the 2010 legislation, prompted some great public interest in the subject, and a really good working group was established to start formulating the legislation.
Unfortunately, many of the initial contributors were muscled out by a sizable lobby of puppy farmers... And we essentially ended up with a raft of puppy farmers (amongst others) having a strong influence on how the bloody legislation that was meant to regulate them was drafted.
It was an unholy disgrace. In my opinion, the current 2010 legislation is one of the worst, most animal welfare-unfriendly pieces of animal-related legislation to have been enacted in Ireland, and perhaps beyond.
I'd like to think this new consultation process seeks to right some of the wrongs... Which is why people need to speak up now!

Choc Chip

I'd agree that they are trying to improve matters, which is why I think discussion is important.

The more discussion that takes place, the more the important points will be established, refined and communicated; and the more these will become a consistent issue in the submissions of parties with similar interests. And the more often an issue is mentioned in submissions, the more likely it will be brought to the attention of those that are in a position to make change.*

*disclaimer - I was up VERY early for a flight and am currently VERY tired so I'm apologising for typos/rambling thought processes in advance. I may make more sense tomorrow!

Nody

Choc Chip wrote: »

So if you think the new guidelines are hopeless, would you direct your attention at educating the people buying puppies... or do you just think that Ireland's reputation as the puppy farming capital of Europe is irredeemable and there is nothing we can do about the situation?

Remove the market; remove the puppy farmers. They only exist because of the stupidity of the buyers not bothering, or knowing, what to check for while working in such a lax environment anyone can do it without fear for a reasonable profit. Add proper requirements (i.e. certified vet vaccinations only, list required vaccinations, specify breed specific check list updated yearly by a council of vets etc.) with multiple times a year random controls for anyone breeding more than once a year with very heavy fines and suddenly BYB would not be so interesting any more.

Choc Chip

Nody wrote: »

Remove the market; remove the puppy farmers. They only exist because of the stupidity of the buyers not bothering, or knowing, what to check for while working in such a lax environment anyone can do it without fear for a reasonable profit. Add proper requirements (i.e. certified vet vaccinations only, list required vaccinations, specify breed specific check list updated yearly by a council of vets etc.) with multiple times a year random controls for anyone breeding more than once a year with very heavy fines and suddenly BYB would not be so interesting any more.

Those are fair suggestions that I might add to those I mentioned above in my submission. Now that we have microchipping, I'd also like to see puppy farms being responsible for dogs they breed that are later found abandoned.
You might disagree that the revised guidelines will work, but if people don't engage to improve the guidelines in the first place, then they can't be enforced.

Separately, I find it disappointing that I can't see this on many rescue's webpages/facebooks. It's a chance to address puppy farming at source which ultimately could be far more effective than reacting to the mountain of unwanted dogs later abandoned/surrendered.