Knowing who the authorised officers are and what they do helps clarify where to report animal cruelty and what kind of enforcement we can expect to see in our communities. It is also crucial to know how the State responds to animal welfare in order to lobby for impactful change when needed. While Ireland’s legal framework for animal rights might be robust, its effectiveness depends on the training and resources of the authorised officers.

Have Your Say: The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has launched a public consultation on the draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2025, along with proposed conservation measures for the 2026 fishing season.

On 27 November 2025, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon provided written responses to Questions 134 and 145 from Deputy Pádraig O’Sullivan. The questions addressed two areas.

Press Release: DAFM, 20 November 2025 The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine held a public consultation. The public consultation opened on 18 June 2024 and closed on 26 July 2024. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine would like to thank everyone who responded to this consultation. Below is a summary of the outcome of this consultation.

The agreement aims to improve the welfare of cats and dogs that are kept by breeders, selling establishments and shelters, while also improving consumer protection, ensuring fair competition and fighting illegal trade.

Europol: Organised crime at the heart of trafficking - The latest iteration of Operation LAKE, which ran from October 2024 to June 2025, uncovered large-scale trafficking networks and disrupted the flow of live eels destined for illegal farms in Asia.

Free Events: This September and October, the NPWS is hosting Community Conversations across the country—and online—to hear directly from people, communities, and stakeholders.

Newry Court 7 July 2025: Tiernan McMullen (23) of Granary Drive, Keady, Armagh was convicted today at Newry Court of five charges under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and one charge under the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) Regulations 2015.

Meath Live online reports that a Garda told a court how he came across a three-carriage sulky race in progress on the M3 18 months ago.

Northern Ireland: Have your say on the new Fisheries and Water Environment Bill. Deadline: 11 Sep 2025. Members of the public are being asked for their views on a range of policy proposals designed to support a vibrant, profitable and sustainable sector, underpinned by healthy ecosystems.

Wildlife Crime Conviction - Badger Baiting Incident, Co. Tyrone A Kilkeel man has been convicted of attempting to ‘Damage Or Destroy the Shelter of a Wild Animal’. Also found guilty at Dungannon Crown Court of ‘Failing to Take Reasonable Steps to Ensure The Needs of an Animal’

🎙️ 5 Insightful Animal-Related Podcasts for you - Whether you’re a lifelong animal advocate, a curious newcomer to the world of animal rights, or simply someone who adores pets, there’s a podcast for you. From ethical debates to heartwarming stories, these five podcasts offer engaging, thought-provoking content about our relationships with animals—both wild and domestic. #AnimalLaw #AnimalWelfare #AnimalAdvocacy #Pets #Podcast #Ethical #AnimalRights #Law #Vets

A promising new development in Ireland’s domestic abuse response is ensuring that survivors no longer have to leave their pets behind. For many, the fear for a beloved animal is a powerful barrier to escaping an abusive situation. Now, some services across the country are offering safe accommodation for both survivors and their pets—a compassionate and much-needed change.

Environmentalists and politicians have called for a public inquiry after two businessmen were jailed for running one of Europe's biggest illegal dumps in Co Derry. — Read on www.rte.ie/news/2025/0609/1517475-mobuoy-derry-dump/

Read, share and shape the news on TheJournal.ie - Breaking Irish and International News — Read on www.thejournal.ie/garda-investigation-decapitated-fox-found-electric-wires-cork-6728227-Jun2025/

Help shape Garda policing priorities—make your voice count for animals, wildlife, and the environment. Using a simple online tool, you can allocate points to the issues that matter most to you. It only takes about 10 minutes to complete.