Legislation

The legislation that applies to animal welfare in Ireland is as follows:

• The Protection of Animals Acts, 1911 and 1965 are the principal statutes governing cruelty to animals in Ireland. The Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act, 1984 is also an important piece of legislation.
• The Diseases of Animals Act, 1966 and the Sheep Scab Orders, 1905 and 1994 deal with sheep scab, which is and ectoparasite disease of sheep caused by psoroptes ovis. It causes considerable suffering in affected sheep. Death may result if the disease is left untreated.
• The Abattoirs Act, 1988 , and Regulations, cover all aspect of abattoirs, and also includes abattoir design and operation, with reference to animal welfare.
• TheSlaughter of Animals Act, 1935 and the European Communities (Protection of Animals at Time of Slaughter) Regulations, 1995 set out the legal requirements on slaughterhouses to prevent excessive suffering of animals being slaughtered.
• TheControl of Dogs Act, 1986 promotes responsible dog ownership and control, and is particularly important in minimizing 'sheep kills' as a result of uncontrolled packs of dogs attacking sheep.
• The Milk and Dairies Act, 1935 and the European Communities (Hygienic Production and Placing on the Market of Raw Milk, Heat-Treated Milk and Milk-Based Products) Regulations, 1996 stipulate health standards for milk-producing animals. They also include housing and welfare standards.