Gaeilge

Search gov.ie

Publication

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:

XL Bully dogs

Regulations introduced on October 1st 2024 prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully dogs.

From February 1st 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’. More information can be found here: Ban on XL Bully dogs

Note: As a cross of restricted breeds, XL Bully dogs are subject to the restrictions listed below as well as the new regulations.

Dog owners with questions about the incoming regulations can contact DogControl@drcd.gov.ie

Restricted breeds

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:

Part of

Campaigns