Across Ireland, countless healthy and adoptable pets lose their lives each year despite having suitable, loving families ready to take them in. The devastating reality is that when owners or guardians choose to proceed with euthanasia, current regulations offer no legal requirement to explore available adoption or rescue pathways first. This highlights a critical systemic flaw in our country’s approach to animal welfare.

Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, pets are legally classified as personal property. Because of this, there is no mandatory obligation for pet owners or facilities to engage with registered rescue organisations before taking irreversible measures. As a result, animals that could easily lead long, healthy lives in new homes are put down simply because viable adoption alternatives are not legally protected.

Data and reports from animal welfare charities across Ireland demonstrate that preventable euthanasia remains a widespread issue. Every year, healthy dogs and cats are lost to a system that fails to mandate rehoming options. These are not just statistics—each number represents a life that could have been saved through timely intervention.

We urge the Irish legislature to enact comprehensive reform to our animal welfare laws. This proposed measure would require pet owners and facilities to register rehomable animals with recognised rescue organisations or adoption agencies before euthanasia can be legally considered for healthy pets.

Proposals like this align with successful, modern practices in other countries where legislation mandates a prioritised rehoming approach. Such laws have proven highly effective in drastically reducing unnecessary euthanasia rates and relieving the immense pressure on local shelters.

By signing this petition, you are calling on the Irish government and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to establish a legal framework that prioritises rehoming over unnecessary euthanasia for every animal in Ireland. Let's ensure no more lives are lost due to preventable gaps in the law. Sign today to protect adoptable animals across Ireland.

This campaign is an independent initiative focused strictly on animal welfare legislation reform in Ireland. It does not name, target, or attribute blame to any individuals, private parties, or organisations.