'Breed and greed culture' making Ireland the puppy farm capital of Europe, advocacy group claims 

Dublin mayor Ray McAdam with Jenny, an Akita lurcher, during a meeting with a small delegation of Dog Advocacy Ireland members and their dogs on the issue of puppy farms at the Mansion House, Dublin. Picture: Gareth Chaney

The head of a national animal advocacy group has called on the Government to help stop the growth of puppy farms here.

John O'Callaghan, the chief executive of Dog Advocacy Ireland, was speaking at Dublin's Mansion House where he met Lord Mayor Ray McAdam to raise the issue of puppy farming.

He said urgent action needs to be taken to strengthen dog breeding regulations in this country.

“Ireland has a shameful standing as the puppy farm capital of Europe" he said. 

"There are unscrupulous puppy farmers, a lot of whom are registered dog breeding establishments, together with the backyard breeders, who are earning €200m a year. That is no mistake.

“They get this for the criminal abuse and mistreatment of dogs. It’s a breed and greed culture.

From left: Isobel Wilson, from Arklow; Hugo Dalton, from Sandyford; Rowan Wilson, from Arklow; and Evander Dalton, from Sandyford, with golden retriever Zena at the Mansion House in Dublin. Picture: Gareth Chaney

“It is not being addressed and responsibility for dog welfare in Ireland is deliberately strewn across three government departments.

"That has only led to chaos. If it was working and functioning, this would not be happening."

He said a singular animal welfare authority with sole responsibility and accountability is what is needed.

The latest figures show there are 3,000 dogs stuck in pounds and rescue centres around the country.

Abandonments have surged since covid, with the cost of living and housing crisis adding to the problem.

Dog Advocacy Ireland said the country continues to license puppy farms.

“It is chaos, the local authorities issue these licences but currently there are no animal welfare officers in any of the departments," added Mr O'Callaghan.

Founder John O'Callaghan, right, warned that unscrupulous puppy farmers and backyard breeders earn €200m a year for 'the criminal abuse and mistreatment of dogs'. Picture: Gareth Chaney

“There are no inspections taking place. The whole issue is scattered around the place. 

"There is no central database, there are five different microchipping companies. It all needs to be scrapped and a new model set up."

Mr O'Callaghan was speaking as the minister for agriculture, Martin Heydon, recently launched a public consultation for the development of a new animal welfare strategy to cover the next five years.

He has invited members of the public and stakeholders to provide feedback and recommendations to the Department of Agriculture.