Responsibility for dog control transferred to DAFM
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) now has all policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has confirmed that from June 1, 2025, the responsibility has been transferred to his department.
"The programme for government provides a commitment to ensure that all legislation and policy in relation to the control of dogs, dog welfare and dog breeding establishments, will transfer to my department," the minister said.
He added that the proposed new Control of Dogs (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 for enhanced measures is currently at an "advanced stage in the relevant legislative process".
"I will seek to review all legislation under my remit in due course."
The dog control functions that were the responsibility of the Minister for Rural and Community Development, and the Gaeltacht have been transferred.
Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, local authorities have responsibility for all operational activities.
They have the power to appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against owners.
In the spring, Minister for Rural and Community Development, and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary and Minister Heydon launched a major national awareness campaign to remind dog owners of their responsibilities.
The campaign which was originally launched in April 2024 entitled – ‘It’s not your dog’s fault, it’s yours’ – is aimed at highlighting the responsibility of dog owners.
It aims to address the harm that uncontrolled dogs can do to people and to livestock.
Minister Heydon said: "I want this campaign to make people think twice about letting their dog loose and uncontrolled.
"We have to remember that dog owners have serious responsibilities in every setting, but a particular focus is needed in rural areas.
"The harm that out-of-control dogs can do to sheep and lambs is financially and emotionally devastating for farm families.
"There can be zero tolerance for people who do not keep their dogs under proper control."
This campaign follows from a series of related initiatives, including: increases in on-the-spot fines up to €300 with trebling of fines for serious offences; the establishment of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group in 2024; and the recruitment of up to 40 additional dog wardens this year.
