Bill entitled an Act to provide for animal welfare considerations in the operation of dog breeding establishments, including but not limited to a cap on the number of breeding bitches, the age of bitches allowed to breed, the age of pups when removed from their mothers, a staff-to-bitch ratio, and to prohibit the use of surgical artificial insemination; and to provide for related matters.
Last updated: 20 Nov 2025
Sponsored by: Jennifer Whitmore;
Source: Private Member
Originating House: Dáil Éireann
Press Release by Deputy Jennifer Whitmore (Social Democrats TD)
November 19, 2025
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore will introduce an important animal welfare Bill tomorrow aimed at strengthening weak dog breeding regulations in Ireland.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on agriculture, said:
“Ireland is facing a dog welfare crisis, with more than 3,000 stuck in pounds and rescue centres around the country. Abandonments have surged since Covid-19, with the cost-of-living and housing crises adding to the problem.
“In 2022, 7,352 dogs entered Irish pounds – a 77 per cent increase on 2021 – and 340 were euthanised.
“Shamefully, Ireland is now the puppy farm capital of Europe, with 30,000 dogs exported annually into illegal markets in the UK, Europe and Asia. This figure increases by 70,000 if you take backyard breeders into account, where hundreds of female dogs are often kept in extremely poor conditions.
“This scandalous situation has arisen because of weak regulation under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. It means females as young as four months can be bred, with no maximum age, and they can have up to six litters in their lifetimes. Our inadequate laws have left the door open to unregistered breeding and allowed harmful practices like surgical insemination to remain legal.
“The Dog Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2025, which I am introducing tomorrow, contains several key measures to strengthen the 2010 act.
“These 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; mandating 10:1 staff-to-animal ratios for proper care; the outlawing of surgical artificial insemination; and updating fee structures to reflect new welfare standards.
“We must do everything we can to eliminate cruel practices when it comes to dog breeding. In the absence of proper regulation, animal welfare charities and rescue centres will continue to be left to pick up the pieces.”
What Can You Do?
As this bill is not proposed by the Government, it is more challenging for it to be passed. If you would like to see this bill pass through the various stages and become law, contact your local TDs and Senators to ask them to support the bill.
🐕 Dog Welfare Bill 🐕
— Dog Advocacy Ireland (@AdvocacyDog) November 22, 2025
DOG OWNERS/LOVERS
Please email your constituency TD's & urge them to vote FOR @WhitmoreJen
Jennifer Whitmore TD's Bill addressing barbaric 'Puppy Farming'.
Find your local TD's email link here 👇👇https://t.co/j9ksDDplPFhttps://t.co/M9ZNI1sQwO
