Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
449. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider legislation to make it illegal to give away live animals for prizes to stop animal suffering, like was introduced in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15736/26]
View answerThe selling or supplying of pet animals is regulated by the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 681/2019).
These Regulations put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including minimum ages for sale of certain mammals; record-keeping; registration with the Department; and the provision of certain information about the pet being advertised.
Under these regulations, anyone who sells or supplies 6 or more pet animals in a year must register with my Department. There is a voluntary Code of Practice for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, available on DAFM website, which provides guidance to sellers and suppliers of pet animal as part of their care and management of those animals.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (No. 15 of 2013) obliges anyone who has an animal in their possession or control, to safeguard the animal’s health and welfare.
All reports of alleged animal cruelty or neglect received by my Department are fully investigated and appropriate action is taken.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
