The online sale of pets, dog breeding and microchipping are to be examined by the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee chaired by Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill.
Concerns around the sale of pets online resulted in the introduction of the Sale or Supply of Pet Animals Regulations in 2019 which was designed to regulate these sales.
The Committee is to discuss the operation of these regulations and the introduction of a verification system for pets for sale with the representatives of Fido.ie, which operates an online database of microchipped dogs and their owners in Ireland, and Dogs.ie, an online classified ads marketplace for dogs for sale and dogs for stud.
In a later session, officials from the Department and the Veterinary Council of Ireland will examine the implementation of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, with a particular focus on canine welfare, artificial insemination, canine fertility clinics, ear cropping and microchipping.
