All policy and legislative responsibility for the control of dogs has been transferred to the Department of Agriculture, the Irish Farmers Journal can reveal.

Effective from 1 June 2025, the Department of Agriculture has said that it will now look after policy regarding dog control, policy relating to breed specific legislation, including XL Bully control and dog licensing policy.

It will also support local authorities in discharging their responsibilities in relations to dog control operations.

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A spokesperson said: "The Department regularly reviews legislation with a view to improving it. Local authorities are responsible for the operation of the Control of Dogs Act. Policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010 has not yet transferred to the Department of Agriculture. Officials are currently engaged in final preparation for the transfer of legislative responsibility under this act."

Disjointed approach

This change comes following a commitment in the Programme for Government to address the disjointed approach to dog control issues and ensuring all legislation and policy in relation to the control of dogs, dog welfare and dog breeding establishments, will transfer to the Department of Agriculture.

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) and the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) had been long calling for the Department of Agriculture to assume responsibility for dog control.

The IFA believe that aligning dog licensing, microchipping, and enforcement under a single department would improve accountability.

It has also pushed for stronger enforcement powers for dog wardens and Gardaí as well as increased on-the-spot fines for non-compliance.