My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. In relation to private dog keepers, my Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. All reports of alleged animal neglect or cruelty received by my Department are investigated and appropriate action is taken.
On 1 August 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act (2010) transferred to my Department. Local authorities retain responsibility for all operational and enforcement matters. Inspections of dog breeding establishments are carried out by my Department and by local authority dog wardens.
The Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 provides a robust regulatory framework for the licensing, monitoring and inspection of dog breeding establishments by local authorities and, where a serious and immediate threat exists to public health or animal health and welfare, for the closure of such establishments.
All registered Dog Breeding Establishments which includes Hunt Clubs must undergo an annual inspection. My Department does not hold information on the number of inspections carried out by the Dog Warden Service or the number of inspections carried out prior to January 2025. This information can be requested from the local authorities directly.
Provisional figures show that my Department has carried out over 150 inspections on dog breeding establishments on behalf of local authorities up to Q3 in 2025. Of these, 84 inspections were unannounced.
In relation to the number of enforcement actions taken, local authorities are responsible for enforcement matters under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act.
I am satisfied with the measures in place to prevent animal cruelty and unlawful hunting practices and my Department has no plans at this time to implement additional measures.
If members of the public are aware of any cases of suspected abuse or neglect, they can contact my Department's animal welfare helpline on:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
