Ireland Bans Puppy Mills

Ireland is called the Puppy Farm of Europe, but lawmakers hope that infamous reputation has come to an end as new legislation restricts commercial puppy mills throughout the country.

On New Year’s Day the Irish government got serious about protecting dogs with two new laws. They implemented the Dogs Breeding Establishments Act and the Welfare of Greyhounds Act.

The Dogs Breeding Establishments Act controls dog breeders and forces them to provide humane care under strict standards and regulations. Some of the regulations include: keeping dogs in clean housing that is not overcrowded, providing bedding, fresh food and water and exercising the dogs.

The law calls for local veterinarians to inspect all of the kennels and gives them the authority to shut down a facility where dogs are not being properly cared for. Vets will also monitor that females have only one litter of puppies in a year.

All puppies must be micro-chipped so they can be traced back to a specific breeder in case of a problem and all breeders must be registered.

Harsh penalties will be imposed for anyone who doesn’t comply with the new laws. Animal activists are pleased with the regulations and think it will stop unethical breeders in the country.

The Welfare of Greyhounds Act mandates higher welfare standards for the humane treatment of working greyhounds, breeding greyhounds and their offspring.

Both of these laws should make a happy difference in the lives of thousands of Ireland’s dogs.

Below is a non-graphic video filmed by Ban the Puppy Mills about the sad life on some puppy farms in Ireland, Wales and England.

Pit Bull Service Dog Reunited With Disabled Vet

Victories For Animals

Photo: Animal Rescue Corps - puppy mill rescue mission

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Monica S.

5:24PM PST on Jan 25, 2012

They are not called the Fighti'n Irish for nothing. Good for them, Cheers !

send a green star

Carrie Anne B.

4:19AM PST on Jan 25, 2012

good news :) thanks for sharing :)

Debbie C.

3:39AM PST on Jan 25, 2012

Hopefully Ireland will enforce these laws and make a difference. The USA should follow Irelands lead and do the right thing.

Cheryl B.

7:06PM PST on Jan 21, 2012

great going Ireland

SeattleAnn S.

6:27PM PST on Jan 21, 2012

Way to go Ireland, hopefully the rest of us can fall into line quickly.

Barbara Z.

11:11AM PST on Jan 21, 2012

Thank you to everyone in the Irish government who made the Dogs Breeding Establishments Act and the Welfare of Greyhounds Act a reality. If enforced properly, it should relieve/prevent the pain and suffering of thousands of dogs across Ireland. It's time for other countries to step up to the plate.

Lynne B.

9:23AM PST on Jan 21, 2012

Good news

Carole R.

10:36PM PST on Jan 19, 2012

Go Irish! Hopefully other countries will follow.

Gillian D.

11:34AM PST on Jan 19, 2012

Good news! The rest must now follow!

guiri t.

3:54AM PST on Jan 19, 2012

Sweet! Like Ed said, where the hell are YOU on this one USA?

For all the shit people in the US talk about how good they are and all that (note, I live in the US too by the way), you are sooo way behind many countries in so many aspects, it's not funny.

C'mon Americans, do something, do MORE. I RESCUE dogs, give money to animal charities and sign petitions and I'm not doing close to what SOME people are doing.