The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association (INFHA), based in Co. Sligo, is calling for action to be taken on livestock worry and dog attacks on livestock. It has compiled a petition document which outlines the issue of dog attacks, the response from dog owners and the anti-social element that is interfering with the operation of working farms.

The INFA have set out a list of proposals they would like to see implemented that would address this issue. They include:

Mandatory licencing, microchipping and DNA sampling of all dogs;
Creation of a centralised database under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine;
One-off government subsidy to cover the cost of DNA sampling, with a clear time limit to encourage compliance;
Zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance after the deadline for DNA testing;
Legislation banning non-working dogs from the hills and farmlands, including criminal penalties.

An INHA spokesperson has said dog attacks are increasing and this issue has reached a crisis point. In addition, dog control law enforcement is non-existent and they INHA believe that there should be zero-tolerance from judges when dealing with livestock worrying cases; roaming patrol units in tourist hotspots, trails and walkways, made up of gardaí, dog wardens and rangers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the employment of more dog wardens.
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A Kerry teenager has died in a horse riding accident. The accident is understood to have occurred last Thursday at the female teenager’s home just outside Killarney, Co. Kerry town on the main Tralee road at Rockfield. She was 17 years of age and was a student at a local secondary school. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have launched an investigation into the incident.
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As of 1st June, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) now has all policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts. The dog control functions that were the responsibility of the Minister for Rural and Community Development, and the Gaeltacht have been transferred.

Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said, “The programme for government provides a commitment to ensure that all legislation and policy in relation to the control of dogs, dog welfare and dog breeding establishments, will transfer to my department. In addition, Mr Heydon said that the proposed new Control of Dogs (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 for enhanced measures is currently at an “advanced stage in the relevant legislative process”.

The Control of Dogs Act 1986 gives the authority and responsibility to local authorities to appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against owners.
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Central Statistics Office (CSO) livestock slaughtering figures (2025) show that around 135,000 head of cattle were slaughtered in May 2025, a decrease of almost 16,000 on the 150,900 figure for May 2024. From January to May of 2025, some 777,000 cattle were slaughtered, a decrease of around 1.6% on the 789,000 figure for the same period in 2024. From April 2025 to May 2025, the number of cattle slaughtered decreased from 159,200 to 135,000, on a month-by-month basis.

For sheep, the number slaughtered in May 2025 was 186,400 compared to 214, 700 in May 2024. This represents at 13.2% decrease in the number of sheep killed. From April 2025 to May 2025, the number of sheep slaughtered decreased from 205,900 head to 186,400 head. The rate of decrease in sheep slaughter numbers was even higher for the first five months of the year, decreasing by 16.4% from 1.16 million head to 973,200 head compared to the first five months of 2024.

For pigs, the number slaughtered in May 2025 was 284,800 compared to 287,200. This represents a small 0.8% decrease in pigs slaughtered. In the first five months of 2025, the number of pigs slaughtered increased by 1.6% compared to the same period in 2024, from around 1.4 million head to 1.49 million head. From April 2025 to May 2025, the number of pigs slaughtered decreased from 291,500 head to 284,800 head, on a month-by-month basis.

Summary: May 2025   Livestock Slaughtered
Cattle 135,000
Sheep 186,400
Pigs 284,800
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Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has said that he received approval from Cabinet to address the escalating levels of bovine TB in the country.

At a Cabinet meeting, 24th June, Minister Heydon updated his government colleagues on the current disease levels, and of plans to address the deteriorating disease situation and the impact on farmers and their families.Following extensive discussions at the TB Forum, the Minister met TB stakeholders on 8th May and farming organisations on 22nd May with a view to agree an action plan for bovine TB.

The Minister said: “I am pleased to have the approval and support of my Government colleagues to address the current high level of bovine TB. I updated them on current TB disease levels and my recent engagement with stakeholders. There is a real appetite amongst all stakeholders to address the rise in bTB levels in recent years and to reduce the impact this disease is having on farm families throughout the country, on rural economies and on the national exchequer”.

“Through my discussions with stakeholders I was keen to emphasise the importance of utilising best veterinary and scientific advice based on research and applying this effectively through the bovine TB programme. The scale of what is required to get on top of this disease should not be underestimated and I advised my Government colleagues of the extent of what is required to tackle this disease. Applying the best scientific research and advice to the bovine TB programme is paramount as we navigate a route to stopping the increase in disease levels, reducing disease levels and ultimately look once again towards the goal of eradication”.

In conclusion, the Minister said. “Due to the high disease situation, I want to move quickly to refine the TB programme and reduce the impact of TB on farmers, their families and rural Ireland”.
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Cian’s Kennels, a children’s charity founded in memory of teenager Cian Neary,who died in 2019 from a a rare form of Lymphoma, is calling for government financial support so that it can expand its services nationwide.

During Cian’s cancer treatment, his golden Labrador, Cooper, provided a source of joy and comfort to the teenager. Following Cian’s death, his parents, Evelyn and Enda Neary, founded Cian’s Kennels, based in Co. Longford. It provides children the same source of comfort, by safely reuniting hospitalised children with their family pets.

Cian’s Kennels currently works at CHI in Crumlin, Dublin and provides kennelling services through DSPCA Rathfarnham and Pet Therapy Services at the Regional Hospital Mullingar, Co. Westmeath through a mobile unit.

On the 25th June, representatives from the Cian’s Kennels along with medical professionals are attending Leinster House where they will make a presentation of their case for financial support for Cian Kennels to Oireachtas members.

Visit/Donate: https://www.cianskennels.ie/
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According to the Ombudsman Annual Report 2024, 60 complaints against the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) were made to its office last year. In the government department and office category, the DARM is ranked fifth in the most complained about government department.
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At Ennis District Court, Co. Care, Pat Cahier, a farmer from Buncraggy, Ennis, Co. Clare pleaded guilty to three of the seven summons before the court “on a full facts basis”.

In the case involving significant neglect of livestock on his farm, Aisling Casey, the state solicitor, said that Mr Cahir is pleading guilty to neglect or was reckless regarding the health and welfare of animals, namely sheep and cattle between November 17, 2023 and May 23, 2024 under Section 1(b) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act. Mr Cahir is also pleading guilty to regulations concerning the disposal of carcasses where he had carcasses of animals, namely cattle and sheep, on land which a dog may have had access to.

The state solicitor added that Cahir is also pleading guilty to breaches under Section 42(4) and 42(9) of the Animal and Welfare Act where he is required to address the issuance of animal health and welfare notices by authorised officers. It is understood that efforts are being made to improve the welfare standards on Mr Cahir’s farm with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture and the Irish Farmers Association. The case was adjourned and will be heard on the 11th of July at Ennis District Court.
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At Dungannon Crown Court, Co. Tyrone, Joseph Rooney from Kilkeel, (54) was convicted of attempting to ‘Damage Or Destroy the Shelter of a Wild Animal’ and Failing to Take Reasonable Steps to Ensure The Needs of an Animal’. He was fined £500 and received a one-month custodial sentence suspended for 18 months, and a conditional discharge of 12 months for ‘Resisting Arrest’. The case dates from 2019 when police responded to a report that a number of individuals were in a field in the Glassdrummond Road area of Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone and were engaging in what appeared to be badger baiting. Police seized a terrier dog at the location. Following a court case, Mr Rooney was convicted and he lodged an appeal.

On June 13, 2025, this appeal was heard. The conviction was upheld and costs awarded to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for holding and caring for a seized dog were raised to £4,000. The dog has now been rehomed.
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For 2025 to date, calf exports from Ireland have surpassed 200,000 head, an increase of over 25,000 head or 14% on the same time in 2024. A total of just over 266,000 cattle had been exported this year (2025) which is an increase of almost 17% or over 38,000 head on the same time period of last year.

While calves account for the largest volume of calf exports, the largest percentage increase in 2025 has been in weanling exports, with numbers up by almost 60% to over 23,000 head. The Netherlands and Spain are the main destination market for Irish cattle. Poland has seen a rise in cattle exports which have doubled from 12,000 head (2024) to over 24,000 head this year.

Calves are classified as all cattle under six-weeks-of-age; weanlings are all cattle from six-weeks-of-age to six-months-of-age; store cattle are all cattle from six-months-of-age to 24-months-of-age; and adult cattle are all cattle from 24-months-of-age upwards.
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At Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court, Michael Mooney (42), of Logstown, Valleymount, Co Wicklow, was charged with three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to farm animals on lands at Crossage, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow, on March 20th, 2023, contrary to Section 12 (1) (a) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013.

Mr Mooney pleaded guilty to three charges of animal cruelty in relation to sheep and cattle under his care who were housed in sheds with multiple dead carcasses at a holding in west Wicklow two years ago.

Judge Terence O’Sullivan remanded Mr Mooney on bail to a sitting of the same court in October when he will be sentenced.
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At Blanchardstown District Court, Co. Dublin, Mr Gerard Shortt (34) , Melrose Avenue, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin, was charged with causing or permitting unnecessary suffering to an animal or endangering, neglecting or being reckless regarding its health or welfare.

The case arose out of an incident between him and his neighbour. It is alleged that during the dispute that Mr Shortt threw an axe at the neighbour’s dog and issued threat of harm to the neighbour’s son. Mr Shortt was also charged with producing a black-and-yellow axe that was capable of inflicting serious injury, in a manner likely to unlawfully intimidate another, in the course of a dispute. A third charge alleges he threatened his neighbour that he would kill or cause serious harm to her son.

Mr Shortt will be facing the three charges under the Animal Health and Welfare; Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person; and Firearms and Offensive Weapons acts. He was remanded on bail and is due to appear in court in September.
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Lesser horseshoe bats are getting a new gaff. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NWPS) has issued a tender to renovate a derelict two-storey farmhouse on lands owned by the NWPS at Dromcarban, Co. Kerry. The property is situated within Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Caragh River Catchment Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

This property is used a as a maternity roost by around forty lesser horseshoe bats. It is in poor condition and works will be undertaken to upgrade and maintain the property for the bat’s future use. The NPWS is now inviting interested building companies to tender for the project which will involve the renovation and associated works on the derelict farmhouse and its outhouse buildings, which are also derelict.

The NPWS said that the renovation works will need to be carried between October and March when the bats have left the building or are in low numbers in order to avoid disturbance.
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Kildare West Wicklow Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (KWWSPCA) has recently been granted planning permission for a new animal welfare facility. It will be located at Newtown, near Rathangan, Co. Kildare.

The development will consist of three purpose-built buildings, extensive site works, and supporting infrastructure. It will include development two cattery buildings and one large dog kennel building, each designed to provide specialised care, isolation, and rehoming services. The application also provides for supporting infrastructure and fifteen car parking spaces, four of which will be equipped for electric vehicle charging. The KWWSPCA said that the animal welfare services they provide will be greatly assisted by the development of this animal facility.

Visit/Donate: https://kwwspca.ie/
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The National Park and Wildlife Service (NWPS) 20024 annual report has outlined 30 new prosecution cases for alleged breaches of wildlife legislation.
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The issue of the sale of wasp poison was recently highlighted in a Dáil question by Ruth Coppinger People Before Profit-Solidarity TD to the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon. In her question, she outlined the danger of wasp poisons and its effect on the Irish bee population and that perhaps a ban on wasp poison could be explored.

Minister Heydon said that the placing on the market and use of wasp control products is governed by the EU biocidal products regulation, which has been transposed into Irish law. EU regulations outline that a product shall be authorised if a range of specified conditions are satisfied, including that there is no unacceptable impact on non-target organisms, such as bees.

The Minister went on to say, “My department recognises the vital role that bees play in our ecosystems and takes full account of potential risks to bees when considering applications for authorisation of biocidal products. We will continue to be guided by the scientific opinions and conclusions from the EU review process for biocides, and relevant technical guidance, and will implement any measures for the protection of bees identified in the biocides regulatory framework.”
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Two men have been convicted for of illegally fishing for wild salmon in waters near Dursey Island in West Cork. Bernard O’Leary from Dursey Island and his nephew John O’Leary from Templemartin, Bandon, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to a total of 11 charges in relation to illegal fishing activities in July 2024.

Judge Joanne Carroll convicted John O’Leary and fined him €1,000 for the possession of the 13 salmon and €500 for illegally fishing with drift nets while three charges against him were struck out.Bernard O’Leary was convicted and fined €1,500 for obstruction, €1,500 for the illegal possession of salmon and €1,000 for fishing with drift nets while a further three charges were taken into consideration.

Both men were given six months to pay the fines and recognisance in the event of an appeal was fixed in their own bond of €100.
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Goats have been, well acting the goat, in a number of housing estates in Corbally, Co. Limerick. Residents of these estates have highlighted that a wandering group of goats in their area have started grazing on their flowers, herbs and hedges. The goats are walking around estate roads and going in and out of gardens looking for grazing. Residents have said this goat wandering is leading to traffic safety issues, as the goats go where they like on the roads. The goat wandering issue has been highlighted on local media and the local authority has been contacted. Residents have been told by the Gardaí hat there is nothing they can do to stop the goats. The goats, adults and kids, are not wild and apparently routinely escape from a local compound and head to the housing estates in search of grazing.
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Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, has said that Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is working out issues in relation to a renewed focus on eradication bTB in Ireland. According to the Minister, he is seeking to increase resourcing in DAFM in the area of wildlife and blood testing. This will incur extra cost to the Department, so the Minister has said he will be seeking extra Government funding for bTB control measures.
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A Garda investigation is under way after a fox was discovered hanging from overhead electrical wires on a road near Guiney’s Bridge, Rockchapel in Co. Cork The animal was decapitated, its head was attached to the wire while its body was suspended from the wire by a rope. The shocking sight was visible from the public road. It has been reported that the animal has been removed from the scene.

Gardaí are appealing to the public for information about this  incident, which occured on the 8th June, which can assist in tracking down the person/s who carried out this vile act.
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Wildlife Rescue Cork (WRC) have reported a recent incident from a town in North Cork. Fledglings, believed to be goldfinches, were rescued by three girls when they observed a number of young men abusing the birds by throwing them in the air and stomping on them. The birds were taken from the men by the girls who then brought the fledglings to the Wildlife Rescue Cork centre in Whitechurch, Co. Cork.

The four fledglings were mostly unharmed, but one had suffered a bruised wing. They spent the night in an incubator to keep warm and are now being hand-fed until they’re strong enough to eat on their own.

Julie Cronin, founder WRC, said: “They’re doing much better now today, looking much brighter. We’ll keep them inside for now, and later move them outdoors once they’re a bit stronger. It would be dangerous to leave them back where they were found as their parents have likely abandoned them by now. But they’ll definitely be well enough to go back into the wild within two weeks”.

Wildlife Rescue Cork, which was founded in 2017, responded to over 950 appeals for help and took in 1,200 animals in need during 2024.

Visit/Donate: Wildlife Rescue Cork
https://wildliferescuecork.com/
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Senator Chris Andrews (Sinn Féin) has highlighted that 202 greyhounds died while racing in Ireland in 2024. Mr Andrews is calling for an investigation into the €19m given to Greyhound Racing Ireland every year. The Irish horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, under section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. Budget 25 saw the Irish horse racing industry receiving €79.28m in funding while the Irish greyhound industry received €19.82m.
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Dog owners beware of grass seeds. The Irish Blue Cross is alerting dog owners to the serious seasonal hazard of grass seeds. The tiny seeds can track under dogs’ skin, into their eyes, nose, and ears, causing serious injury. Grass seeds are found in meadows and woodland areas during the summer months, the seemingly harmless, tiny pointy seeds, can cause painful and potentially dangerous injuries to dogs.

The Blue Cross advice to dog owners who spot a grass seed in your dog’s fur, that has not yet pierced the skin, is to remove it immediately to prevent injury. If you suspect your dog has a grass seed injury, please contact your vet immediately.

The Warning Signs of a Grass Seed Injury include:
Persistent licking of paws-Swelling between the toes
Sudden limping-Head shaking or pawing at ears
Sudden bouts of sneezing-Redness, discharge, or swelling in the eyes
Localised licking or chewing at a sore spot

If your dog displays any of these symptoms, contact your vet without delay.
Visit: https://www.bluecross.ie/whats-happening/grass-seed-dangers/
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Ten cattle were killed by lightning on a farm in Co. Cavan last Friday. In the townland of Butlersbridge, ten continental suckler-bred heifers owned by a local farmer had taken shelter from the heavy rain under a tree in the middle of the field when a bolt of lightning struck the earth, killing the animals.

Met Éireann had issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for the county, which was valid until 6pm yesterday evening.
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Wild parakeet numbers at the Waterworks Park, Belfast, Co. Antrim are causing a concern to ecologists. Around 15 ring-necked parakeets live within the park grounds and concern has been expressed that this non-native bird species is competing with native birds in the park for food and nest sites. Ring-necked parakeets are native to tropical Africa and the Indian subcontinent, and are considered invasive in most regions outside their native range.
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Gardaí are reporting that a recent roadside checkpoint in Co. Kildare, they stopped a professional HGV driver driving a fully laden livestock trailer. A roadside drug test was conducted on the driver and.it is understood the driver tested positive for cocaine. He was arrested at the roadside.
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Last Sunday (1 June) in an early morning incident, a flock of sheep were attacked by two dogs near Nass, Co. Kildare. According the flock’s owner, 12 of his sheep were killed and a further 20 were injured. The dogs escaped capture, but it is understood that one of the dogs has being identified as part of the Garda investigation of this sheep attack.
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Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson on Media, Culture and Sport, Padraig O’Sullivan TD has said that he is “not in favour of fox hunting”. Deputy O’Sullivan made the comment on RTE Radio 1’s Late Debate show (3 June 2025) during a discussion about animal rights issues. This follows a similar statement in 2014 in which he told the Irish Council Against Blood Sports: “Personally I’m not in favour of blood sports.”
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Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has stated that he does not support cruel fox hunting. Responding to a member of the public who asked him why he voted against the progress of Ruth Coppinger TD’s bill which is aiming to secure a ban on fox hunting, the Meath West TD stated: “I am not a supporter of fox hunting but this bill prevents a farmer who is losing hens to a fox from using a rifle or even a trap to control the population of foxes in their area.” In an appeal to Deputy Toibin to change his stance and support the bill, the Irish Council Against Bloodsports (ICABS) pointed out that Deputy Coppinger’s bill relates only to the hunting, trapping and snaring of foxes and does not deal with the shooting of wildlife.

Aontú is a grassroots all-Ireland movement, dedicated to Life, Unity and Economic Justice for all.
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Common cranes are breeding in Ireland. A pair of common cranes have nested at a Bord na Mona bog in Co. Offaly for the seventh consecutive year. It has been confirmed that a pair are incubating eggs at a nesting site. The common crane used to be a breeding species in Ireland but now is regarded as a ‘returning species’. It has been reported that initial breeding attempts were made by a single pair of common cranes in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

This followed successful breeding in 2022, 2023, and 2024. An event that marks the first time in several hundred years that the species is part of Ireland’s breeding avifauna.

Background: https://www.bnm.ie/gone-for-300-years-common-crane-comes-home-to-rewetted-irish-peatlands/
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Alan Lawes, a Meath councillor, has described fox hunting as “barbaric” and announced plans to table a motion at Meath County Council to ban the practice on council-owned land. This follows a similar move from Fingal County Council who recently adopted a measure prohibiting hunting on council-owned land. Councillor Lawes, who attended an anti-foxhunting protest outside the Dáil last week, said public opinion is shifting — even in areas where the tradition was once accepted.
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Limerick Animal Welfare (LAW) have highlighted that dog nappers are currently on the prowl in counties Laois, Galway, Tipperary and Limerick. The advice is always keep your dog in sight and report suspicious activity involving individuals interacting with your dog/s. or dog/s not owned by you.
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XL Bully dog figures shows that almost 1,000 XL Bully dog owners have been granted an exemption from a recent ban on ownership of the breed. Over 1,800 XL Bully dog owners have applied for exemptions since the ban came into force. 48 XL Bully have been surrendered so far.

In a parliamentary response this week, Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary TD said the greatest number of dogs surrendered were in Dublin (11) followed by Limerick (10), Cork City (4), and Kildare (4). Waterford (3) while Donegal, Cavan and Tipperary (2) while there were two dogs surrendered in south Dublin and Fingal. Fifteen councils have had no surrenders yet.

Since February 1st 2025, it is illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’, or proof of application for a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ issued by the local authority in which the dog resides. As a cross of restricted breeds, XL Bully type dogs are subject to the existing additional controls. XL Bully dog have to be been neutered, microchipped, licensed and has third-party insurance. It is now a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog without a licence.
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Cllr John Smyth (Swords) Co. Dublin/  Sinn Féin has condemned a “highly offensive” hunt party dining experience at Malahide Castle, saying it “glorifies blood sports” and is “celebrating the landed gentry of Ireland”. He made the statement last month ahead of a motion calling on Fingal County Council to ban hunts from council-owned lands.

In response to a member of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports (ICABS) who contacted him about fox hunting, Cllr Smyth promised to back the motion (which was later passed at a council meeting on 12th May). “I will be supporting this motion,” Cllr Smyth stated. “I also plan on highlighting my objection to the ‘hunt ball’ dining experience which is currently being hosted at Malahide Castle.” “I find the latter highly offensive as, to me, it glorifies blood sports as well as celebrating the landed gentry of Ireland which I find highly offensive as a republican,” Cllr Smyth added.
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