[joyfull]

This has got to be one of this years best bits of news:-

http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Long-awaited-legislation-outlaws-puppy-farming-in-Ireland-136523433.html

[arugula]

Good news indeed! 

[Kleftiwallah]

Let's hope they extend it to those beggers in the Welsh valleys also.     Cheers,     Tony.

[joyfull]

I do hope so Tony, in fact worldwide would be best, but this is a step in the right direction 

[arugula]

Is it still legal on the UK mainland or illicit?

[joyfull]

As far as I am aware it is legal albeit very nasty  , will try to find out.

[arugula]

It crossed my mind when you posted and I thought then, I'm sure it can't be..... Well I hope it isn't.

[joyfull]

the dogs trust has a campaign to stamp it out so guess it is legal although very unsavoury :-(

http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/az/b/batteryfarmeddogs/

[arugula]

Very unsavoury indeed. 

[little brown hen]

But in the article it still says ..."Breeders will be allowed to keep large numbers of animals"!   Will the authorities be able to monitor all these puppy farmers on a continuous basis?!   I dont think we will ever be rid of the back yard breeder/puppy farmer.

[joyfull]

I do hope they find a way to monitor it (and not have to give notice of any forthcoming inspection).

[shokkyy]

If they can have restrictions/regulations governing anybody who keeps more than 20 chickens, then surely they could come up with similar restrictions/regulations on anyone having more than a few dogs. I'm well aware they don't have the manpower to monitor everybody for having more than that number of animals, but having that legislation in place does at least given them legal powers to do something immediately if they need to. Anyone having more than that number of animals should be required to have a license and having that license should mean they can be subject to spot inspections/minimum standards of welfare.

[joyfull]

I believe some local authorities here do have that in place already.