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Is declawing cats illegal in Ireland?

Partly. Declawing cats is restricted in Ireland. Cosmetic surgery on animals is an offence; declawing is not named.

Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 s16 (revisedacts.lawreform.ie, 2026): removing sensitive tissue or bone is an offence when done for cosmetic reasons or other than as 'veterinary treatment'; s16(4) defines veterinary treatment as any treatment by a registered vet unless cosmetic or barred by regulations. No regulation naming declawing found. Not an ETS 125 party -> amber.

Source: AHW Act 2013 s16

• Ireland is one of 29 countries where declawing cats is banned, and 12 more restrict it.
• Its neighbours: banned in 1 of 1 (United Kingdom).
• In Europe: banned in 25 of 39 countries.

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Other countries that ban declawing cats

LuxembourgCyprusLithuaniaLatviaBulgariaRomaniaCzechiaGreecePortugalDenmarkFinlandSwedenNorwayNetherlandsAll 29 on the map ›

What else is banned in Ireland