Puppy farming has been outlawed in Ireland – with harsh penalties now imposed on anyone who breaks the country’s new laws.

Legislation banning puppy farms came into effect on New Year’s Day as the government looks to clean up the country’s act.

The move comes after Ireland became known as the Puppy Farm of Europe.

Campaigners have fought for years to protect puppies from unscrupulous breeders.

Now two laws - the Welfare of Greyhounds Act and the Dogs Breeding Establishments Act - have been introduced to control dog breeding and force breeders to look after their animals properly.

The new anti-puppy farming legislation makes it impossible to produce hundreds of puppies in grim conditions.

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Local authority vets also have the right and obligation to inspect all breeding locations.

They can immediately shut down any kennels where animals are not being properly cared for.

All Irish puppies will be micro-chipped and can now be traced back to the breeder.

Breeders will be allowed to keep large numbers of animals, but only under strict conditions and standards set down by the new regulations.

All breeders must also be registered with their local authority to comply with the new rules.

Police have encountered several harrowing cases in recent times.

Last autumn, a Midlands owner escaped charges after a raid on a puppy farm where 50 dogs were rescued from ‘filthy and overcrowded’ kennels. Officers described the premises as ‘deplorable’.

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Read more:

More news from Ireland on IrishCentral

Sinead O’Connor scored crack on her wedding night she admits

Ireland’s economic recovery an illusion says NY Times Krugman

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