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remove that from ourselves. The length and breath of this country, one will find people whose pets are part of their family. The idea that Ireland remains the puppy farm capital of Europe is unconscionable to that little being that sits at our feet and shares our food … what we all know. Ireland cannot continue with these puppy farms. It cannot continue to have a greyhound industry, which, while a separate issue, is also seeing dogs destroyed constantly. We have to do better because these pets are little friends at home. We cannot continue to have

Deputy Coppinger has already pointed out that during the debate on the puppy farming Bill last week, there was real passion among Deputies. Deputies spoke with real meaning about what their dogs and their pets meant to them. Today, we have another opportunity to make real change

said that fox hunters do far more destruction to farming land and the countryside. A zoologist in Wicklow, who is also from a farming background, said that hunting with hounds is one of the least effective methods of population control. Farmers have told me that their livestock have … also mentioned the harm to horses, cattle and sheep that no one talks about, and attacks on domestic animals, such as household pets, which have happened. Hunts, in fact, tell you to lock up your pets. I do not know who the Minister of State listens to when

native Irish foxes. Foxes are not a significant threat to vulnerable livestock and free-range poultry. Domestic dogs - our family pets that were all named during last week's debate - and the hounds used in live hunts are a much bigger threat. Foxes play a really positive role … talked about pest control and the fox is a natural pest controller of rats, mice and rabbit populations, and an ally to arable farming. In urban and rural areas, they are the animal kingdom's equivalent to the Tidy Towns, eating dead and decaying birds and roadkill. Urban

really stands out for me. When my team and I meet voters in Rathdown, we are always meeting people with dogs. These are pets that are treasured family members. They are vital companions for many in our community. They are well cared for and loved and they enjoy … better in protecting them, and this Bill allows us to do just that. Ireland has earned a shameful title as the puppy farm capital of Europe. It is not a badge of honour; it is a stain on our conscience. The Bill put forward by Deputy Whitmore will

that all dogs entering the country are given preventative treatment prior to their arrival here, thus protecting public health as well as domestic pets and wildlife. This work would not be possible under the legislation as it is proposed before the House today. In respect of the pest … came. Research shows that red foxes are widespread across Ireland and can be found in every county. The nature of Ireland's wildly-farmed, fragmented landscape and the absence of an apex predator means it lends itself to high fox densities. Indeed, Deputy Coppinger listed many

heard yesterday in the audiovisual room, I really doubted that, to be honest. If people knew what was really happening on puppy farms, they would think twice before buying a puppy. This Bill and Deputy Whitmore's work will, I hope, bring closer the reality of people realising … then it dies. If children are involved, there will be absolute heartbreak. I am a mother of four and we have had pets that reached the end of their lives. It devastates children, but this is preventable. Deputy Whitmore's Bill sets out to prevent cruelty against poor