My legal responsibilities as a dog owner

If you keep a dog, you must follow these requirements.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013:

you must provide appropriate care for your dog

The Microchipping of Dogs Regulations, 2015:

ensure your dog is microchipped and registered on an approved database
have a valid Certificate of Registration from the database operator
ensure you keep owner and dog details up to date on the database

The Control of Dogs Act 1986:

ensure you have an annual or lifetime dog licence
you must have a collar or harness on your dog with your contact details attached
keep your dog under effectual control

The Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998:

Additional controls apply to the following breeds and type of dog (or strains or crosses of these breeds or type of dogs):

American Pit Bull Terrier
Bull Mastiff
Doberman Pinscher
English Bull Terrier
German Shepherd (Alsatian)
Japanese Akita
Japanese Tosa
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
dog of type known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog)

When in a public place, these dogs must be securely muzzled and kept on a strong chain or leash (maximum 2 metres in length) by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog.

The Litter Pollution Act, 1997:

you must pick up and bin dog poo when in public places
this requirement does not apply to guide dogs
remember: Any bag, Any bin!

Who to contact if you suspect animal cruelty

Suspected cases of dog cruelty or animal welfare concerns should be reported to:

DSPCA: cruelty@dspca.ie or contact number 01 4994700
ISPCA: helpline@ispca.ie or contact number: 0818 515515
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine National Animal Welfare Helpline: animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie or contact number: 01 607 2379