Minister for the Environment John Gormley said today he does not intend to exempt greyhounds and hunting packs from new dog-breeding regulations due to come before the Dáil next week.
Mr Gormley denied that he had decided to table additional amendments to the forthcoming Dog Breeding Establishments Bill in order to appease independent TDs and after lobbying from groups working in the dog breeding sector.
The Bill, which was introduced to prevent animal abuse in so-called puppy farms, is expected to be published tomorrow before going to a vote in the Dáil next week.
Earlier this week, Mr Gormley agreed a number of amendments to the bill in order to gain the support of Fianna Fáil backbenchers and independent TDs for the Stag Hunting Ban legislation. The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 was passed by a slim majority on Tuesday.
Fianna Fáil and the Green Party confirmed separately last night to the Irish Times that they were close to compromise on the most contentious aspects of the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill, which was introduced to prevent animal abuse in so-called puppy farms.
Mr Gormley said today he had submitted a series of amendments to the Bill to the Taoiseach Brian Cowen which covered matters such as litter size and the definition of a breeding bitch.
A number of organisations including the Irish Greyhound Board have said that self-regulation of the dog breeding industry is sufficient.
Mr Gormley firmly rejected reports that he had agreed to further amendments which would see greyhounds and hunting dogs being exempted from the legislation.
"You cannot make exemptions for certain breeds of dog," he told RTÉ's Morning Ireland. "We have a terrible reputation in Europe. We've seen examples of animal cruelty and I want to bring that to an end and this legislation will do that but it will do it in a way that I think will meet the requirements of all the stakeholders."
Independent TD Michael Lowry has claimed he has been given assurances these breeds would not be subject to strict new breeding and welfare rules to limit puppy farms and prevent abuse. Mr Lowry claimed Government Chief Whip John Curran confirmed last night and again this morning that significant amendments would be made to the Bill.
However, Mr Gormley said one option being considered by Government is an amendment to the 1958 Greyhound Industry Act to ensure joint inspections involving local authority inspectors and representatives from Bord na gCon, the body responsible for the greyhound sector in Ireland.
