The Animal Welfare Unit's Work
Our team provides a range of services within the Dublin City Council area, including shelter services, licensing and community programmes.
The Animal Welfare Unit's mission is to create a city where people and animals co-exist in harmony. We want to foster a culture of caring towards all animals and promote responsible pet ownership. We do this through education and community programmes.
However, as the licensing authority for Dublin city, much of our work involves meeting legislative requirements and enforcing the law. Through all our activities, we aim to create the safest environment possible for animals and people.
Here is an overview of the services we provide.
Enforcing the Animal Health and Welfare Act
The Animal Welfare Unit's wardens and inspectors work hard everyday to protect animal's rights. Enforcing the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 is part of our remit. We do this by:
- Responding to animal welfare cases and reports of mistreatment.
- Assisting dogs and horses in need of veterinary assistance.
- Engaging with our partners on welfare issues for all animals.
Dog Warden and Shelter Services
Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, we provide a Dog Warden Service, which deals with strays, surrenders and seizures. We also run a dog shelter service where we keep these dogs while we work to rehome or reunite them with their owners.
Horse Shelter Service
Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, we seize and impound stray horses and assist An Garda Síochána in protecting the public from the risks caused by stray horses.
Horses may also be seized and impounded if they are kept somewhere other than the location stated on their licence or if a valid licence cannot be produced.
Our page on how to reclaim a seized horse explains more about the circumstances in which a horse can be seized. If you would like to report a stray, neglected or mistreated horse, go to our contact page.
Licensing and Inspections
You can apply for a horse licence from the Animal Welfare Unit, which will allow you to keep a horse within Dublin City Council’s administrative area.
Dog licences, on the other hand, can be purchased through Licences.ie or at any post office. Inspectors working on behalf of Dublin City Council routinely visit houses to ensure that dog owners have up-to-date licences and microchips for their dogs.
Registering and Inspecting Dog Breeding Establishments
Under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, the Animal Welfare Unit inspects and licenses all dog kennels and breeding establishments within the Dublin City Council administrative area.
Inspecting Stables
Under the Control of Horses Act, our team inspects stables based within the Dublin City Council administrative area to ensure they meet the standards set out in the legislation. As part of every horse licence application, our staff inspect the location where the horse will be kept to ensure its facilities are adequate for the safekeeping of the horse.
Contact the Animal Welfare Unit
If you have a question about any of our services, please contact the Animal Welfare Unit using the details below.