Responsible dog ownership

Owners must keep their dogs under control at all times to prevent sheep worrying and nuisance. Have consideration for others, such as guide dogs, the elderly and children, and keep your dog on a lead in a public place.

Make sure your dog has collar identification and a registered microchip (this will help reunite you with your pet if he is lost or stolen).

• Clean up after your dog if it fouls in a public place
• Have your dog neutered unless you intend to breed from it
• Buy an annual licence for your dog
• Ensure your dog is microchipped
• Feed your dog according to its size, age, and lifestyle
• Worm and de-flea your dog regularly
• Exercise your dog regularly
• Consider purchasing pet health insurance for your dog
• Vaccinate your dog and have an annual veterinary check-up for your dog

Good equine welfare

The following advice is being offered to promote good animal welfare and to assist with control measures in the event of a disease outbreak amongst horses in Ireland :

• Your horse must be microchipped
• Your horse must have a passport
• Your horse must be kept on a registered equine premises
• Your horse cannot be presented at a horse fair/market without having a passport
• You must notify the passport organisation within 30 days of buying/selling your horse
• If your horse is not compliant with any of the above it could be seized

If you have any queries on the above please contact the animal welfare helpline at Call Save 0761 064408 or email AnimalWelfare@agriculture.gov.ie

This Information orginated from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine