Puppy Farm bill raises hopes for animal welfare

Local animal rights activists and canine experts are welcoming the new bill discussed in the Dáil last week, tackling the issues arising from dog breeding establishments commonly referred to as “puppy farms”.

The measures in the bill include capping the number of breeding females at 30 per site, introducing a 16-month minimum age for breeding and eight-year maximum age, and a maximum of one litter per year per breeding female.

The new laws will impact six dog breeding facilities registered in County Cavan but will be difficult to monitor and enforce on many more unofficial “backyard breeders”.

The new bill also proposes a maximum of four litters per breeding female during her lifetime, a minimum age of 10 weeks for pup separation and mandating 10:1 staff-to-animal ratios for care – currently there is no mandatory staff ratio.

“If all of this could be implemented, it would be a good thing,” says a cautiously optimistic Tina Boyle from the Cavan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA). The proposed measures would slow down what she regards as “the conveyor belt of puppy production” by some breeders.

Ciaran Walsh, Dip. Canine Training Instructor from Cavan, believes these changes are long overdue: “At present Ireland has an unworkable system of dog control, breeding, ownership, sales, and responsibility. It is a most unusual sector where governance is thinly split across national and local authorities, private charities, and registered and unregister breeders.”

“Ireland is frequently cited as the Europe’s puppy farm, often Cavan is mentioned as its capital,” said Ciaran.

This was reiterated during the debate in the Dáil this week when it was reported that up to 30,000 animals are exported annually. With Cockapoo prices ranging up to €2,500 and Bison Frisé around €1,000, this constitutes an industry worth of up to an estimated €200 million the TDs heard from Social Democrat Jennifer Whitmore, who had tabled the bill.

Any premises, which has six or more female dogs over six months of age and capable of breeding, is considered a Dog Breeding Establishment (BDE) and has to be registered. As of November 2025, six DBEs are registered in County Cavan - holding from 18 up to 300 bitches.

‘Five Star Paws’, an establishment in Poles, Cavan, is registered to have a maximum of 300 bitches, making it one of the biggest establishments in Ireland. The second largest with 100 bitches is ‘Aghadreenagh’ located in Kilduff, Belturbet.

Besides the registered establishments, Ms Boyle estimates there are about 40 “backyard breeders” in Cavan. About a third of the rescue dogs they receive come from breeding establishments – registered or not. She receives mostly the dogs that are “in fashion”, meaning Cockapoos or the white, fluffy Bison Frisé.

“People don’t know what they’re getting into.”

Those looking for a new companion should “think honestly about their lifestyle” and how a dog would fit into that, urges Ciara Clarke from Vets & Pets Bailieborough. She also encourages people to “talk to your vet, speak to reputable breeders and rescue centres”.

Dogs Trust Ireland warn of red flags such as a breeder’s refusal to show where puppies are raised. “Pay attention to the environment they’re in – it should be clean, warm, dry, quiet, safe and suitable,” says a spokesperson.

Buyers should always be able to meet the puppy’s mother on-site to check her temperament and condition: “Make sure the mother is happy and healthy and is interacting with the puppies. Both mum and pups should be active and alert.”

A traumatic breeding environment stands in direct relation to subsequent behaviour, says dog trainer Ciaran, who warned the harmful effects on dog’s health will cause issues for new dog owners who will struggle to address the dog’s behaviour: “Dog bite incidents - primarily on children - are likely to increase exponentially.”

Asked about their role in inspecting the BDEs, a spokesperson for Cavan County said: “While the council still maintains the register of DBEs, the Department of Agriculture now has responsibility for inspection of dog breeding establishments.”

In response to questions about the DBEs, Minister Martin Hayden said: “All dog breeding establishments must undergo an annual veterinary inspection. The inspections are carried out by my Department and by local authority dog wardens.”

As part of a six-week public consultation process, he urged all stakeholders including animal health and welfare groups to provide feedback by January 2 to develop a new Animal Welfare Strategy to animalwelfareconsultation@agriculture.gov.ie