Irish Dog Laws & Legislation
As a dog owner in Ireland, it's essential to understand the legal requirements and responsibilities. The following laws govern dog ownership, welfare, and public safety. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines, prosecution, and other legal consequences.
Important: This information is provided for general guidance only. Always consult the official legislation or seek legal advice for specific situations.
Current Irish Dog Laws
| # | Law/Act | Year | Summary | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024 | 2024 | Bans breeding, sale, and import of XL Bully dogs with restrictions on ownership | View Law |
| 2 | Ear-Cropping of Dogs Regulations 2023 | 2023 | Prohibits ear cropping of dogs except for medical reasons | View Law |
| 3 | Control of Dogs Act (Enhanced Penalties) Regulations 2023 | 2023 | Increased on-the-spot fines for dog control offences from €100 to €300 | Gov.ie |
| 4 | Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 | 2019 | Regulates online sale of dogs and requires license for commercial pet sales | View Law |
| 5 | Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015 | 2015 | Mandatory microchipping for all dogs over 12 weeks old | View Law |
| 6 | Animal Health and Welfare (Tail Docking and Declawing) Regulations 2014 | 2014 | Prohibits tail docking of dogs except for specific working breeds and medical reasons | View Law |
| 7 | Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 | 2013 | Comprehensive animal welfare legislation replacing Protection of Animals Act | View Law |
| 8 | Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 | 2010 | Licensing and regulation of commercial dog breeding operations | View Law |
| 9 | Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 | 1998 | Detailed regulations on restricted breeds and licensing procedures | View Law |
| 10 | Litter Pollution Act 1997 | 1997 | Dog fouling offences and cleanup responsibilities for owners | View Law |
| 11 | Control of Dogs Act 1986 (as amended) | 1986 | Core legislation governing dog licensing, control, and dangerous dogs | View Law |
Key Legal Requirements
Dog Licensing
Annual dog license required for all dogs over 4 months old. Purchase at licences.ie
Fee: €20 per dog, €140 for lifetime license
Microchipping
Mandatory for all dogs over 12 weeks old since 2015, more info.
Penalty: Up to €5,000 fine for non-compliance
Breeder Registration Types
Note: If you sell or supply up to 5 dogs in a calendar year, you do not need to register. "Supply" includes giving a dog away for free, not just selling. Take our breeder quiz to see if you need a licence.
Registered Seller of Pets
If you sell or supply 6 or more dogs in a year, and have less than 6 breeding female dogs, you are required to register with the Department of Agriculture.
More info:Registered Seller of Pets
Dog Breeding Establishment
If you have 6 or more breeding female dogs, you are required to register with your local authority.
More info:Dog Breeding Establishments (DBE)
Banned Breed - XL Bully
XL Bully Dogs - Banned (since 2024)
Since April 2024, XL Bully dogs are completely banned in Ireland. It is illegal to:
- Breed XL Bully dogs
- Sell or advertise XL Bully dogs for sale
- Import XL Bully dogs into Ireland
- Give away or rehome XL Bully dogs
Existing owners: Must have their dogs neutered/spayed, muzzled and leashed in public.
Note: In Northern Ireland owners have to also have third-party insurance to cover the dog in case of death or injury of a person.
Restricted Breeds
The following breeds require special handling and muzzling in public:
More information:Read Ireland's banned and restricted breeds.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- No dog license: Up to €2,500 fine
- No microchip: Up to €5,000 fine
- Dog attacks: Up to €25,000 fine and/or 3 years imprisonment
- Animal welfare offences: Up to €250,000 fine and/or 5 years imprisonment
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all dogs over 4 months of age require a dog license in Ireland. You can purchase an annual license for €20 or a lifetime license for €140 at licences.ie.
If your dog bites someone, you could face serious legal consequences including fines up to €25,000 and/or 3 years imprisonment. The dog may be seized and destroyed. You must ensure your dog is under proper control at all times, and restricted breeds must be muzzled in public.
You can sell or supply up to 5 dogs per calendar year without registration. If you sell or supply 6 or more dogs in a year, you must register as a Registered Seller of Pets. If you have 6 or more breeding female dogs, you must register as a Dog Breeding Establishment with your local authority. You can take our breeder quiz to see if you need one.
Yes, under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, dog fouling is an offence. You must clean up after your dog in public places. Failure to do so can result in an on-the-spot fine of €150 or prosecution with fines up to €4,000.
Yes, XL Bully dogs are completely banned in Ireland since April 2024. It is illegal to breed, sell, import, or give away XL Bully dogs. Existing owners must have their dogs neutered/spayed and keep them muzzled and leashed in public at all times.
The following breeds and their crossbreeds must be muzzled and kept on a strong lead in public: American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Dobermann Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Yes, landlords in Ireland can prohibit pets in rental properties through the tenancy agreement. However, they cannot unreasonably refuse permission for pets. Always check your lease agreement and discuss with your landlord before getting a dog. Some landlords may allow pets with additional conditions or deposits.
