Legislation that will hopefully improve the welfare of animals should be welcomed.

The Irish Times reports that the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2010 will cut the amount of times a dog can breed to a maximum of six, hoping to stop bitches having to have an excessive amount of litters. The Bill will also seek to set a minimum breeding age of fifthteen months.

Anyone breaking the proposed law might be hit with a fine of up to €5,000 and six month prison sentence.

One aspect that we worry could be open to abuse is is that while a female should usually have no more than six litters, an additional litters may be bred in such cases where a vet gives authorisation.

We heavilly welcome new powers to inspect establishments appointed by local authorities, the Irish Greyhound Board and the Irish Coursing Club.

Fianna Fáil Christy O’Sullivan and Máire Hoctor of Tipperary North lobbied for the Hunting Association of Ireland to be exempt from the dog breeding legislation, but this was thankfully not permitted.

Click here to visit the Orchard Greyhound Sanctuary.com.

A video briefly surfaced on Facebook showing acts of cruelty to the wallaby at a 30th birthday party at a hotel in Liffey Valley.

Various exotic animals are available for sale on websites in Ireland and in most cases there is no license required to own the animals.

Pet Insurance Ireland supports the idea that there should be some legislation on keeping exotic pets, especially when so many find theri way to animal sanctuaries.

Switzerland is holding a referendum on whether domesticated animals should have a right to be represented by a lawyer, seeing the country potentially becoming a leading exponent of animal welfare rights.

“Humans accused of animal cruelty can hire a lawyer or get one assigned but animals can’t,” said Antoine Goetschel, a lawyer quoted in the Times “Which is where I come in.”

Antoine Goetschel was appointed an “animal advocate” in 2007 by the canton of Zurich, a scheme which has been a success according to many. Over 100,000 signatures have been raised to expand the expirment futher.

However the government and farmers unions are against the idea, fearing it will lead to increased legislation.

A pet insurance expert from PetInsuranceIreland.com comments “Looking after animals is extremely important. We should do everything we can to improve the welfare of both pets and farm animals – who are all too often the forgotten victims of cruelty.”

Photo copyright Steve Punter

They report being overwhelmed with calls from Irish people wanting them to take crocodiles, poisonous snakes and turtles because they can’t look after them.

“It has become pretty scary. We have to turn down animals because we are full up,” he said.

Mr Hennessy is giving lectures at the Pet Expo RDS Main Hall.

“I will be stressing that people must do their research before buying these kind of animals. They are not like budgies or cats. I will be warning people about what can go wrong.”

The internet has turned into an easy source for many exotic animals.

Useful websites:

• Ronan McGreevy – Irish Times
• Reptile Village Zoo – Official Homepage