SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – DOGS

In Ireland, the regulations governing dog ownership and control at public events, including shows, are primarily outlined in the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and its subsequent amendments. Dog owners attending shows must comply with specific legal requirements concerning licensing, identification, and breed-related restrictions.

Licensing and Identification
All dogs over four months old must have a valid licence. Failure to produce a licence upon request may result in fines up to €150, with potential for higher penalties upon prosecution.
Identification: Dogs are required to wear a collar or harness bearing the owner's name and address, either inscribed or on an attached tag. Non-compliance can lead to a €200 fine 
Microchipping: It is mandatory for all dogs to be microchipped and registered on a government-approved database. Owners should retain the microchipping certificate as proof.

Breed-Specific Regulations
Certain breeds are classified as "restricted" under Irish law, necessitating additional precautions in public spaces:
Restricted Breeds include:

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• English Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull Mastiff
• Dobermann Pinscher
• German Shepherd (Alsatian)
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Rottweiler
• Japanese Akita
• Japanese Tosa

Public Safety Measures: When in public, these dogs must:

• Be securely muzzled.

• Be on a strong lead no longer than 2 meters.
• Be handled by someone over 16 years old capable of controlling the dog.
• Wear a collar with the owner's name and address.

XL Bully Ban

As of October 1, 2024, Ireland implemented a ban on XL Bully dogs, prohibiting their import, breeding, sale, and rehoming. From February 1, 2025, owning an XL Bully without a Certificate of Exemption is illegal. To qualify for this certificate, owners must ensure their dog is licensed, microchipped, and neutered. Non-compliance can result in fines up to €2,500, imprisonment for up to three months, and potential seizure of the dog.

Regulations

• Control of Dogs Act 1986
• Control of Dogs (Restriction of Certain Dogs) Regulations 1991
• Control of Dogs Regulations 1998
• Control of Dogs (Dog Licensing Database) Regulations 2019
• Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024