Helping to support responsible pet advertising

Noel Carton, Head of Operations, Donkey Sanctuary Ireland and Dr Joe Collins, Senior Donkey Welfare Advisor, have been working with the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Ireland, and other animal welfare organisations to set up the Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group (IPAAG).

Simon Coveney TD, Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine launched IPAAG's Minimum Standards for online classified advertising websites on 15th April 2015.

Noel and Joe plus Claire Owens of Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT) were charged with developing the Minimum Standards that should apply to the advertising of equines and the guidelines that will be provided on-line to persons considering getting an equine – how to provide what horses and donkeys need, your legal responsibilities, etc.

IPAAG is made up of representatives from Ireland’s leading animal welfare groups including:

• The Donkey Sanctuary
• Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Dogs Trust
• Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue & Adoption
• Irish Horse Welfare Trust
• Irish Blue Cross

and works with the online advertising industry to combat the growing concern about the irresponsible online advertising of pets for sale, rehoming or exchange.

For more information, please visit the Irish Pet Advertising Advisory Group website.