Agriculture Minister to consider outlawing backyard breeding following sad tale of Wexford puppy Stout

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon, TD, has said he is “fully committed” to reviewing backyard breeding legislations after calls were made to incorporate ‘Stout’s Law’ into the Dog Breeding Establishment Act.

In August of this year a four-month-old pup called Stout died in Co Wexford after being rescued from a backyard puppy breeding operation.

Born with a number of degenerative conditions, Stout’s final weeks were documented by his foster parents as they attempted to bring some joy into a life cruelly cut short by illness. Their efforts were not entirely in vain however, as Stout’s journey captured the imagination of the public and led to the creation of ‘Stout’s Law’, a proposed amendment which would outlaw the practise of backyard breeding.

This proposal made it all the way to Wexford’s County Hall where, in October, Councillor Michael Sheehan submitted a motion calling for Stout’s Law to be incorporated into the Dog Breeding Establishment Act.

Calling for changes in how “breeding age dogs” are treated, including a restriction in the number of litters they can have in a lifetime, Cllr Sheehan also asked for the establishment of an single Independent Regulator with a “stricter inspection regime and supports for the local authorities to work with licenced breeders while outlawing the practice of backyard puppy farms in Ireland”.

In response, Minister Heydon said that “a high-level stakeholder group” was established in 2024 to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.

"The stakeholder group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change,” said Minister Haydon. “This requires in-depth analysis and consultation to ensure amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities. The department is committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group.

"It will revert to the department with recommendations on the matter in due course. In the meantime, the department is fully committed to progressing the work in this area.”

Stressing that he was aware of Stout’s Law and the campaign around it, Minister Haydon said he would “consider all views when reviewing the legislation”.