TERRIER WORK & PEST CONTROL
Federation of affiliated terrier clubs
The representative federation for working-terrier clubs in Ireland, focused on humane, targeted pest control rather than showing or breeding for looks.
The federation brings together affiliated terrier clubs under a shared code of conduct, defending a long-standing rural practice that keeps working strains — bred purely for ability underground rather than pedigree looks — active in the field.
Terriers locate foxes, rats and mink below ground and indicate their position by barking, allowing a handler to dig to and dispatch the quarry humanely, always with the landowner's permission and always in support of farm pest control.
Terrier work is positioned as legal, regulated pest control that protects livestock, poultry and ground-nesting birds from fox, rat and mink predation, working alongside foxhound and mink-hound packs.
This pursuit is practised under Irish law and the rules of its governing body, which sets welfare, conduct and membership standards for every affiliated member. Reports of malpractice are investigated and can result in suspension or expulsion.
For associations
