Under the provisions of the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965 dog fighting is among those activities that is illegal. The enforcement of these Acts is a matter for An Garda Síochána who may, on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an offence under the Acts.
The new Programme for Government includes a commitment to consolidate responsibility for the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) within my Department. There is a further commitment to introduce a new Animal Welfare Bill and update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of animals is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly.