South Dublin County Council

Under the Freedom of Information Act, I wish to make a request of the following documents, if possible: The inspections reports for the DBE s registered to your county council, just to clarify, I am referring to establishments that breed dogs and sell puppies/ dogs, not to any Rescue Centre, Hunt establishments, Dog Pound or commercial boarding kennels), Furthermore, I have been in contact with the Department of Agriculture, and they advised me that the local authorities are the appropriate bodies to ask the following questions, and so, I wish to add these to the FOI request. 1. In relation to the inspections of DBE, (just to clarify, I am referring to establishments that breed dogs and sell puppies and dogs, not to any Rescue Centre, Hunt establishments, Dog Pound or commercial boarding kennels), Does your county council set out any guidelines or protocols for these inspections? 2. In the legislation all premises that have 6 or more breeding bitches are subject to inspection, is there a maximum number of bitches allowed on a premises? 3. Are registered breeders and owners of the DBE required to complete any courses that pertain to dog welfare, canine behaviour or health and safety pertaining to dogs and puppies? if not who is responsible for advising them about socialisation, habitation and responsible breeding practices? 4. Are breeders of dogs who are deemed to be on the dangerous dog's list required to have any additional training or knowledge pertaining to the breeds they sell and breed, and is there any sort of ownness on them to vet potential buyers of their puppies? 5. Are there any additional training requirements for veterinary inspectors, dog wardens of additional staff that are responsible for carrying out the inspections? 6. What are the fees for the registration of a DBE? 7. Could you confirm how many DBE are registered in your county council? (Just to clarify, I am referring to establishments that breed dogs and sell puppies and dogs, not to any Rescue Centre, Hunt establishments, Dog Pound or commercial boarding kennels), 8. Are all inspections of DBE announced and is the frequency of the inspection determined by the county council or the Department?