If you witness a pet or any other animal being abused, or which has been left in a dangerous situation, you can now report this and get help by calling 3677. This helpline has been set up by The National Council for Animal Welfare and has been operational since 24th June 2024.
It is free to call and is open 7 days a week during the following hours:
- Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 7 pm
- Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm
- Sundays and public holidays, from 10 am to 5 pm
The operator will ask you questions to determine which service can offer the most appropriate help
- the National Police
- the gendarmerie
- the veterinary services of the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations
- an animal protection association
Situations which may be deemed as abuse, ill treatment or dangerous to the animal’s welfare may include:
- depriving an animal of food and water
- leaving an animal unattended while sick or injured
- placing and maintaining an animal in a habitat or environment that may cause suffering, injury or accident*
- use, unless absolutely necessary, of restraining or tethering devices which are unsuitable for the animal in question.
*As Summer is now here, animals left in a closed car in direct sun while their owners go shopping or sightseeing may be classed as a potential emergency.
More information on animal abuse can be found here