Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has described the positive cross-party response to her Dog Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2025 as a significant step in the right direction for animal rights in Ireland.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s agriculture spokesperson, said:
“My Bill, which was debated at second stage in the Dáil today, is aimed at addressing weak regulation under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. This results in females as young as four months being bred, with no maximum age, and having up to six litters in their lifetimes.
“My proposed legislation contains several key measures to tackle unregistered breeding and cruel puppy farm practices. This includes include capping the number of breeding females at 30 per site; introducing a 16-month minimum age for breeding and eight-year maximum age; a maximum of one litter per year per breeding female; a maximum of four litters per breeding female during her lifetime; a minimum age of 10 weeks for pup separation; the outlawing of surgical artificial insemination; and a 1:10 staff-to-dog ratio to ensure proper care.
“It is clear from today’s debate there is significant cross-party support from all sides of the House for what we are trying to achieve. I am happy that the government, and in particular Minister of State Noel Grealish, have indicated that they are willing to work with us to address this critical animal welfare issue.
“The nine-month timed amendment to my Bill, supported by TDs today, will allow for public consultation and the development of a new Animal Welfare Strategy 2026-2030. The Minister expressed confidence that the outcome of this process will align closely with many of the principles of my Bill – and I will be pushing him and the government to keep their promises on this.
“I have also asked the Minister to look at allocating extra funding for animal welfare charities and rescue centres given that they are left to pick up the pieces in the absence of proper breeding regulations.”
December 10, 2025