The new microchipping regulations were introduced under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 by former Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney in June 2015. Microchipping became compulsory for puppies in September 2015 and was extended to all dogs on 31 March 2016.
From that date onwards, all dog owners were obliged to have their pets microchipped and registered with an approved database, or else face a fine of up to €5,000.
In a statement to the Irish Farmers Journal, the Department of Agriculture said it is “aware that there are three prosecutions underway under these new dog microchipping regulations”.
The new rules are enforced by local authorities, the Department of Agriculture and An Garda Síochána.
Range of benefits
Speaking about the new law in his former role, minister Coveney said microchipping brings a range of benefits, including the protection of the welfare of dogs and speedy identification of strays and their owners.
“It will also act as a deterrent for those who abandon dogs and assist in identifying marauding dogs and those that pose a threat to livestock and people,” he added.
The Department of Agriculture has not received any compensation or prosecution claims from sheep farmers so far this year
The new law was therefore seen to be of benefit to sheep farmers, who would, in certain cases, be able to identify the owners of dogs who attack their stock and make them liable for costs. However, the Department of Agriculture has said it has not received any compensation or prosecution claims from sheep farmers so far this year.
According to the Irish Farmers Association, between 3,000 and 4,000 sheep are injured or killed every year by dogs.
Figures for the number of sheep attacks since the law was extended to all dogs in April this year are not readily available, but there have still been attacks, including a horrific dog attack on 40 sheep in Co Kerry this August.
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Quick query: Microchipping my dog – is it essential?
Have you got your dog microchipped?
The new microchipping regulations were introduced under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 by former Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney in June 2015. Microchipping became compulsory for puppies in September 2015 and was extended to all dogs on 31 March 2016.
From that date onwards, all dog owners were obliged to have their pets microchipped and registered with an approved database, or else face a fine of up to €5,000.
In a statement to the Irish Farmers Journal, the Department of Agriculture said it is “aware that there are three prosecutions underway under these new dog microchipping regulations”.
The new rules are enforced by local authorities, the Department of Agriculture and An Garda Síochána.
Range of benefits
Speaking about the new law in his former role, minister Coveney said microchipping brings a range of benefits, including the protection of the welfare of dogs and speedy identification of strays and their owners.
“It will also act as a deterrent for those who abandon dogs and assist in identifying marauding dogs and those that pose a threat to livestock and people,” he added.
The Department of Agriculture has not received any compensation or prosecution claims from sheep farmers so far this year
The new law was therefore seen to be of benefit to sheep farmers, who would, in certain cases, be able to identify the owners of dogs who attack their stock and make them liable for costs. However, the Department of Agriculture has said it has not received any compensation or prosecution claims from sheep farmers so far this year.
According to the Irish Farmers Association, between 3,000 and 4,000 sheep are injured or killed every year by dogs.
Figures for the number of sheep attacks since the law was extended to all dogs in April this year are not readily available, but there have still been attacks, including a horrific dog attack on 40 sheep in Co Kerry this August.
Read more
Quick query: Microchipping my dog – is it essential?
Have you got your dog microchipped?
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