The state's century-old animal welfare rules are set to be overhauled.

The Animal Health and Welfare Bill - which passed through both stages of the Oireachtas today - will force dog owners to have their dogs micro-chipped by 2016.

The Bill outlaws attending and recording dog fights, and the practice of docking or cutting dogs' tails for cosmetic reasons.

It will also allow the courts to bar individuals convicted of serious animal welfare offences from keeping animals.

The mandatory micro-chipping of dogs will come into force from 2016 and there will be public consultation on its implementation in due course.

Owners will be required to ensure animals are fed, watered, given suitable housing and checked regularly.

Animal welfare activists and vets have praised the bill saying the new legislation will give us some of the most modern frameworks for animal health and welfare in the world.