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.
| # | 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 Announcement |
| 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 |
Annual dog license required for all dogs over 4 months old. Purchase at licences.ie
Fee: €20 per dog, €140 for lifetime license
Mandatory for all dogs over 12 weeks old since 2015
Penalty: Up to €5,000 fine for non-compliance
If you sell or supply 6 or more dogs in a year, and have less than 6 breeding female dogs, you are required to registered with the Department of Agriculture.
More info : Registered Seller of Pets
If you have 6 or more breeding female dogs, you are required to registered with you local authority.
More info : Dog Breeding Establishments (DBE)
Since April 2024, XL Bully dogs are completely banned in Ireland. It is illegal to:
Existing owners: Must have their dogs neutered/spayed, muzzled and leashed in public, and have third-party insurance of at least €100,000.
The following breeds require special licenses and muzzling in public:
