New guidelines are coming into effect for dog breeding establishments from January 1st 2019.
By law, anyone that keeps six or more bitches that are over six-months-old and capable of being used for breeding purposes must register their premises with their local authority.
There is a substantial shift in the new guidelines towards a focus on the welfare of dogs and pups.
The first set of guidelines became effective from January 2012 and related to the operation of establishments.
A working group subsequently developed a draft set of revised guidelines, which were subject to a public consultation.
The working group included representatives from the ISPCA, the DSPCA, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture Northern Ireland and local authority veterinary inspectors.
The guidelines published for public consultation included proposed changes to standards and sizes for kennels, guidance for exercise areas, hygiene protocols, exercise periods, socialisation, staffing requirements, training requirements for staff, breeding programmes and retirement plans.
Undated file photo of a puppy | Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire/PA Images
Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Seán Canney, said: "Better socialised pups, housed in appropriate accommodation, make for better pets.
"Where there is a focus on socialisation in the key first few weeks of life, there is a smoother transition to life in a family home.
"Breeders have had several months to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and, if they haven't already done so, they should now seek the necessary guidance and support they require to meet the new standards."
Minister Canney said he wants to see high standards achieved by dog breeding establishments.
He explained that the guidelines are in place to support the improvement of standards and form part of the framework, within which local authorities carry out inspections and issue improvement notices where required.
"The local authorities can make unannounced inspections of these establishments, which will help to drive up standards.
"The development of these guidelines took into account responses received through consultation with the public and industry experts."
