Many countries around the world have some form of breed-specific legislation that prohibits the entry and ownership of certain aggressive and dangerous dog breeds. The necessity of breed-specific legislation came about in response to several instances of vicious dog attacks from dogs of certain breeds.

Every year, close to 5 million people are attacked by dogs globally, and though all dog attacks are not fatal, they can cause considerable injury. Some dog breeds have historically been bred for fighting and protection; such dog breeds are aggressive and strong by nature and are more predisposed to attack.

Ireland has a set of pet import criteria for your pet to enter the country. If you are travelling with your pet to Ireland, check if your pet is on the banned breeds list before beginning your travel plans.

Restricted dog breeds in Ireland

Irish law has categorised certain aggressive dog breeds as restricted breeds. Pet parents must follow several rules to own a restricted dog breed in Ireland. Restricted breeds are:

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• English Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull Mastiff
• Dobermann Pinscher
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Akita
• Japanese Tosa
• Bandog, which is a crossbreed of an of these breeds

Import of restricted dogs in Ireland is permitted; however, pet parents must follow these safety precautions in the country:

• These dog breeds must be muzzled and on a lead in public at all times. The lead must be strong and short, not more than 2m long.
• The dog must wear a dog collar with the owner’s contact information on it.
• The dog must be licenced and microchipped.
• Only adults over the age of 18 are allowed to own a restricted breed.

Banned breeds in Ireland

Ireland allows the import of domestic dogs and cats into the country. Hybrid dogs and cats are not permitted to travel to Ireland unless there is proof of their domesticity. Hybrid wolf-dogs, Savanah cats and Bengal cats cannot travel to Ireland unless they are F5 or higher hybrid generations.

When a domestic animal is crossed with a wild animal, the resulting offspring is the F1 generation. This generation is 50% wild. When the F1 progeny is crossed with a domestic animal, the consequent generation is the F2 generation; a cross between the F2 and a domestic animal is the F3 generation and so on.

Only animals of the F5 generation and higher are permitted to travel to Ireland because generations F1 to F4 are considered wild animals and not domesticated pets. Pet parents have to furnish proof of breeding to Irish authorities before their pets travel to the country.

Pet travel to Ireland? Call Petraveller for more information

International pet travel to Ireland can be daunting for pet flyers; the pet import criteria are numerous, and the process is lengthy. An accredited pet travel agency can help you decode the mysteries of international pet travel and make sure your pet reaches their destination safely and in great spirits.

If you are travelling to Ireland with your cat or dog, reach out to Petraveller for more information on zero-harm international pet transport and a free pet travel quote.