Our Mission and Ethos
Making Dublin city a safe place for animals is at the heart of the Animal Welfare Unit's work. Learn more about the principles that guide our work.
The Animal Welfare Unit is in charge of the licensing and control of dogs and horses in the Dublin City Council administrative area. However, our work goes far beyond this.
Our mission is to create a city where people and animals co-exist in harmony. We aim to foster a culture of caring towards all animals. We do this by encouraging and educating the public to embrace the five freedoms of animal welfare. This globally recognised framework outlines the conditions needed to support the mental and physical wellbeing of animals.
The Animal Welfare Unit is guided by these five freedoms in all of our policies and practices. Through enforcement, education and community programmes, we want to create an environment where no animals suffer from hunger, thirst, discomfort, fear, distress, pain, injury or disease.
We believe all animals should be free to express their normal behaviour and lead happy lives. This ethos is at the heart of all our services and actions. Through our work, we hope to create a city where we can be proud of how all animals are treated.
While enforcing the law and responding to reports are still central to Dublin City Council's work, we increasingly focus on involving the community in the prevention of animal abuse and neglect.
Contact the Animal Welfare Unit
Dublin City Council's Animal Welfare Unit is always eager to educate animal owners and spread the word about the five freedoms of animal welfare. If you would like one of our dog wardens to give a talk at your school or community centre, contact us below.