Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Jim O’ Callaghan has expressed concern about that dog breeders are breaking the COVID-19 restrictions by continuing to deliver animals across the country.
A man who drove 450km to collect two pups was sentenced to four weeks’ jail last week after being stopped as part of routine garda checkpoints across the country.
Deputy O’Callaghan said: “Dog breeders are breaching the COVID-19 restrictions by continuing to deliver animals across the country. This is a matter of concern as the restrictions were put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“Animal rescue shelters suspended their work in line with the government restrictions and dog breeders continuing to sell animals and travelling up and down the country is not in accordance with the imposed restrictions and should be stopped.
“Animal Welfare Laws must be enforced during this period of uncertainty for the country and reports of dog breeders delivering animals is inappropriate whilst the country is in crisis. I am calling on the Minister for Justice to ask the Garda Commissioner to investigate these reports and take the appropriate actions if necessary. The COVID-19 restrictions were put in place for the safety of the public and they should be followed,” concluded Deputy O’Callaghan.
