A BBC programme that aired last night exposed the puppy farm industry in Ireland and called on Department of Environment, Department of Agriculture and local authorities to take definitive action against the dog breeders who put profit before the welfare of the dogs.
The ISPCA has welcomed the programme after it raised concerns about the conditions at Raymond Cullivan’s premises in Cavan last November.
After receiving information from Scottish SPCA, ISPCA investigators visited the premises and were shocked at the conditions they found.
However, as the ISPCA have no powers regarding the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, they raised their concerns with Cavan County Council and the Department of Agriculture.
Cavan County Council declined the ISPCA’s offer to accompany them on their inspection and failed to respond when they demanded the council take enforcement action immediately.
The ISPCA also requested information on the inspection at Cullivan’s site, any breaches of the DBE act and any details on enforcement action taken.
The request was also denied on the grounds that this information may contain “trade secrets” and “commercially sensitive information”.
However, the ISPCA says this is not the case and believe the release of this information is in the interest of the public.
They are currently waiting on a response after they submitted an appeal.
The ISPCA seized 818 dogs last year with over 50% of them coming from dog breeding establishments, both licensed and unlicensed.
It is now the hope that the BBC programme will force immediate action by Cavan County Council and other local authorities around Ireland on this issue.
The ISPCA is hoping for legislation enforcement and just punishment for those found guilty of offences.
