Related Legislation
New rules on the sale or supply of pet animals came into effect on 1st February 2020. They are the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or supply of pet animals) Regulations 2019 (No. 681 of 2019). This is a Statutory Instrument made by the Minister under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Definition of a Pet
A “pet animal” means an animal (excluding a farm animal) kept, or intended to be kept, by a person
- (a) as a pastime or hobby,
- (b) for companionship,
- (c) for ornamental purposes, or
- (d) any combination of (a) to (c)
Failure to comply with the new regulations on the sale or supply of pet animals, effective from February 1st, 2020, could result in legal consequences. Sellers or suppliers dealing with six or more pet animals annually are obligated to adhere to specific requirements:
- Mandatory registration: Sellers must apply for entry into the Register of Sellers and Suppliers of Pet Animals if they handle six or more pet animals in a calendar year. Additionally, premises involved in pet sales or supply must be registered in the appropriate registry.
- Record-keeping obligations: Sellers dealing with six or more pet animals per year must maintain detailed records concerning acquisition, sale, descriptions, disposal, and medical care for a minimum of three years.
- Advertisement guidelines: Advertisements for pet animals are required to include specific information such as seller’s registration number, animal age, microchip code for dogs, country of origin, and relevant registration numbers as per specific laws.
- Sale prohibition: The regulations strictly prohibit the sale or supply of pet animals below certain specified minimum ages.
Sale/Supply of Dogs with Cropped Ears
The sale or supply of dogs with cropped ears (other than by listed animal welfare charities) is prohibited under SI 412 of 2023 (Ear-Cropping of Dogs Regulations 2023). Further information: DAFM.
