The 2024 Annual Report of An Garda Síochána showcases the sheer scale, diversity and complexity of policing across Ireland. Among its many insights are compelling examples of how animals play a vital role in keeping communities safe. Below are the key animal-related highlights from the report.
The Garda Dog Unit (GDU)
The Garda Dog Unit continues to be an invaluable operational resource. Highly trained dogs support Gardaí in a wide range of duties, including:
- Searching for missing persons
- Tracking suspects attempting to evade arrest
- Locating drugs, cash, firearms and other evidential items
- Public order control
- High-visibility patrols
2024 at a Glance
- Three specialist detection dogs were acquired and trained to detect drugs, cash and firearms.
- Three new general-purpose dogs joined the unit, replacing dogs that reached retirement age.
- GDU detection dogs assisted in 380 searches for drugs, cash and firearms during the year.
Case Study: Tracking Justice
While investigating a series of burglaries in the Eastern Region, Gardaí intercepted a suspect vehicle. When the occupants fled on foot through nearby fields, the Garda Dog Unit and Air Support Unit were deployed. A dog team successfully tracked one suspect, leading to his arrest, while Air Support guided Gardaí to the remaining two suspects, who were also apprehended.
The Garda Mounted Unit (GMU)
The Garda Mounted Unit played a prominent role in 2024, delivering high-visibility patrols across multiple divisions and supporting major operations and events nationwide.
Operational Highlights
GMU assisted with:
- Operation Citizen in the Dublin Metropolitan Region
- Operation Thor in Mayo
- The Galway Races
- The Europa League Final in Dublin
Mounted Gardaí were also deployed at:
- Protests and demonstrations
- Little Blue Heroes events nationwide
- Soccer and GAA matches
- Concerts and music festivals
- The St Patrick’s Day Parade
Case Study: Keeping the Peace
In September, the Mounted Unit provided public order policing during the Ireland vs England international soccer match in Dublin. Their presence helped prevent potential flashpoints and reduced the risk of injury to members of the public.
Community Safety Initiatives Involving Animals
Tackling Illegal Hunting – Nationwide
An Garda Síochána, working in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), carried out coordinated days of action across the country. These included joint patrols, checkpoints and surveillance operations aimed at deterring trespassers and preventing illegal hunting—an issue of serious concern for rural and farming communities, biodiversity, and wildlife conservation.
Farm Safety Awareness – Clare & Tipperary
In a creative approach to engagement, Gardaí in Clare and Tipperary used the Garda tractor as a focal point for farm safety education. Talks were delivered in primary and secondary schools, as well as at marts, helping to raise awareness of farm safety among young people and the wider community.
Crime Statistics Involving Animals
The 2024 Annual Report recorded no crime statistics specifically involving animals.
