Please note: This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which came into effect in March 2014, is the primary legislation governing the welfare and protection of animals in Ireland. It replaced earlier legislation from 1911 and 1966 and recognises that animal health and welfare are closely linked.
Key principles of the Act
The Act places a strong emphasis on responsible ownership and introduces clearer obligations for anyone responsible for an animal.
Under the Act, it is an offence to:
- Sell an animal to a person under 16 years of age
- Abandon a protected animal
- Fail to meet an animal’s basic welfare needs
Owners and keepers are legally required to ensure the Five Freedoms are met:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
- Freedom from fear and distress
- Freedom to express normal behaviour
Welfare enforcement
The Act gives authorised officers greater powers to:
- Intervene before serious welfare issues arise
- Investigate suspected neglect or mistreatment
- Take action where animals are at risk
Courts may also:
- Impose bans preventing individuals convicted of animal cruelty from owning or working with animals
- Apply significant financial penalties or custodial sentences in serious cases
Reporting animal welfare concerns
Concerns about animal welfare can be reported confidentially to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine:
Animal Welfare Helpline: 1850 211 990
Email: AnimalWelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
Reports are followed up by authorised officers, often in collaboration with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.
Penalties
Penalties under the Act are substantial and may include:
- Fines of up to €5,000 on summary conviction
- Fines of up to €250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 5 years on indictment
- Fixed penalty notices for certain lesser offences
Important note on animals on our platform
Dogs are not permitted on our platform. Any listings or activity that breach our animal policies may be removed and, where appropriate, reported to the relevant authorities.
Related regulations
Additional regulations introduced alongside the Act include:
- Pet Passport Regulations 2014, governing the movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets within the EU and from third countries, primarily to prevent the spread of rabies.