Legislation

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government's sole responsibility regarding domestic animals relates to the licensing and control of dogs under the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992. The Department has no function or powers in relation to the control of cats.

Under the provisions of the Local Government Act, 2001 (Section 66) local authorities are empowered to provide financial assistance to persons engaging in any activity which, in the opinion of the local authority, benefits the local community. In addition, the Programme for Government 2007 – 2012 and the Renewed Programme for Government, 2009 provides for the implementation (through the Department of Agriculture and Food) of an Animal Health and Welfare Bill which will consolidate and update existing legislation in relation to our nation's animals. The Programme may be viewed on the Department of an Taoiseach’s website at: https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-the-taoiseach/

However, cats do come under the Protection of Animals Act. This was originally enacted in 1912 and was last amended in 1965. The full act may be viewed on the Government of Ireland website at http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1965/en/act/pub/0010/index.html