Dogs Trust submits petition seeking tougher sentences for puppy farmers

The charity Dogs Trust Ireland has submitted to the Government its online petition containing 59,907 signatures from people supporting a call for tougher punishments for puppy farmers.

Dogs Trust launched its campaign - entitled 'Puppy Farms are a Life Sentence' - last November in order to highlight the cruelty and suffering endured by dogs who live on puppy farms, and the often-lenient punishments given to those who contravene the law.

It has now presented its petition in support of the campaign to Kildare North TD James Lawless, who chairs the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice.

Speaking about the petition, Deputy Lawless said: "Organisations like Dogs Trust see so many dogs coming in from puppy farms with significant behavioural problems.

"This is why it's so important that there is greater enforcement on those who act outside of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, especially those who are engaged in illegal puppy farming.

"As part of the Government's drive to review and improve legislation in this area, work is ongoing to identify any necessary legislative amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 that may be required.

"There must be zero tolerance for the cruelty or neglect of any puppy or dog. Studies have shown that where there is a focus on socialisation in the first few weeks of a puppy’s life, there is a smoother transition to life in a family home."

Suzie Carley, Executive Director, Dogs Trust Ireland, added: "Sadly, we have seen the horror in too many dogs' eyes because of the cruelty and neglect they suffer on puppy farms.

"Many mums are so distressed and shut down when they enter our care that they don’t bark or make a sound. As a charity, we are often left to pick up the medical and behavioural expenses of getting these poor dogs to a condition where they can be rehomed.

"It is soul destroying to see the meagre penalties incurred by those responsible, which is often less than they would charge for one puppy. It's not a deterrent and will not help to stamp out this vile trade. We want to see change," Ms Carley concluded.