About Animal Welfare

Back to Animal Welfare

Dublin City Council created the Animal Welfare Unit in 2021, our role is to ensure the welfare of Dogs and Horses in the DCC area. Under the Dublin City Council Dog & Horse Bye-Laws we aim to have the safest environment for the animals and ensure the laws for owning a Dog and or Horse are adhered to.

The Animal Welfare Unit is also responsible for

  • Registration/Inspection of dog breeding establishments under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010; 
  • dog and horse identification i.e. microchips, passports.
  • Dog Fines
  • Returning/ Rehoming Horses & Dogs
  • Paying a dog fine
  • Reporting a lost or stray dog
  • Reporting a loose or tethered horse
  • Mistreatment of Animals (Dogs & Horses)
  • Provision of Dog Warden Service
  • Updating your dog/horse licence (deceased/change of address/change of ownership) 
  • Reporting a Dog Attack
  • E. [email protected]

Contacting the Animal Welfare Unit
Please read the below information if you are looking to call us and the numbers to dial.
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm 01 222 3368/5441
(out of hours number below)
Monday to Thursday 5pm-9pm 01 222 6060
Saturday and Sunday 12pm-4pm 01 222 6060

If your call is not answered please leave a voicemail with your name, contact number and a short message in relation to your call. All voicemails will be returned between 9am-9pm the following day.

If you have an Animal Welfare concern outside of the above hours please contact your local Garda Station

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