Causeway Coast Dog Rescue's Podcast, 'All things dog' and companion animal welfare seeks to discuss topics related to companion animal welfare both in Northern Ireland and in Europe, which impact on how we look after our own animals.

Caroline Johnston is Vice Chair of the Association of Dog and Cats Homes, which many charities in the UK are members, including CCDR.  Caroline discusses how Membership provides us with a community to discuss and share areas where we seek to source information and improve on how we work with companion animals. The ADCH also lobbies for change and supports groups when raising issues to improve companion animal welfare.

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Causeway Coast Dog Rescue held our annual conference on 1.10.25 in Queens University Belfast. The focus was Reform, and Vanessa Waddon, CEO of Hope Rescue came to talk about her work in rescuing and rehoming surrendered dogs and how she became involved in Greyhound Rescue.

Her work has led her to be at the forefront of the Greyhound Rescue campaign which is ultimately working towards banning greyhound racing in Wales. Vanessa continues to rescue and rehome unwanted dogs in her area and is an advocate for animal welfare.  

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Tara Cunningham, Causeway Coast Dog Rescue speaks to David Bowles of RSPCA and a member of the Board for Association Dog and Cats Homes UK.  David joined RSPCA in 1995 and is Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs.

David Bowles is also Chair of Legislative Committee. Since 2015, David has been a Board member of ADCH, leading analysis of annual returns and surveys, including on XL Bullys and Covid, providing insights to members, governments, and legislators. 

As a Board member of Defra’s expert group on dogs and cats and the Animal Welfare Network Wales, David engages with governments in Wales and England to promote ADCH’s data for policy decisions. Chairing ADCH’s Legislative Committee since 2016, he monitors legislation across eight jurisdictions and contributes to consultations on laws like microchipping and rescue licensing.

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CCDR congratulates Irish politician Jennifer Whitmore and @DogLawIreland for their leadership in advancing important amendments to the Dog Welfare Bill in the Republic of Ireland. Their work outlines a robust set of protections that place the welfare of breeding dogs and puppies at the centre of legislation.

While these reforms apply only within Ireland, they highlight significant gaps in safeguarding across Northern Ireland and Great Britain. This moment offers an important opportunity for us to reflect, learn from the progress of others, and strengthen how we protect our own companion animals.

These changes will also help improve the welfare of puppies being purchased or sold in Northern Ireland from Ireland, ensuring better standards and clearer expectations for breeders and buyers alike.

Ethical breeding is essential, not only to protect animals, but also to safeguard people from unknowingly engaging with unethical or irresponsible breeders. CCDR is grateful for the expertise of @DogLawIreland, whose support and detailed legislative insight continue to guide this important work. 🐾

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Tara Cunningham, Causeway Coast Dog Rescue talks to Dr Rowena Packer. Rowena is an academic researching many different areas in companion animal welfare but has particularly and avid publisher in all areas relating to dog welfare.  One of Rowena's significant articles published centralised around dog breeding during COVID, pandemic restrictions and the impact afterwards. 

Dr Rowena Packer Rowena is the Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the Royal Veterinary College, London. Rowena leads a research group exploring diverse topics in this area, including the impact of chronic and inherited disorders on dog behaviour and welfare, the impact of owner knowledge, attitudes and behaviour on canine welfare, breeding for better welfare, and caregiver burden. Rowena has co-authored more than 100 peer reviewed papers and book chapters and co-edited the textbook ‘Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) Companion Animals’ (2021). Rowena holds a PhD from the Royal Veterinary College (2013) which explored the impact of extreme conformation on canine health. Rowena is a founding member of Brachycephalic Working Group and the Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dog 

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Dr Rowena Packer presented her findings on breeding in Northern Ireland during and following the opening up of pandemic restrictions.

Rowena has published over 100 papers and aims to source information which will support evidence based decision making to improve animal welfare in the UK.

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Dr Marc Abraham OBE presented at the recent CCDR Animal Welfare Conference focusing on Reform, Marc outlined the background of Lucys Law, what it means and what it aims to achieve.

Lucys Law is about protecting animals and their pups and kittens from low welfare sellers and ensuring a clear process and protocols are stemming from the much needed change in legislation, which is now known as Lucys Law. 

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Dr Andrea Lynch of the Links Group, presented an overview of the work of the Links Group and how they support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and coercive control with their pets.

The Links Group has recently launched a new training platform which helps to identify actions to be taken by those who are first responders in relation to abuse and how they support with their pets.  

The Links Group are currently working with CCDR to support the implimentation and delivery of Rubys Law in N.I which will lead in service delivery in the UK and support the planning of what can be achieved now, in the run up to the implimentation, during and following the change in legislation. Collaborative working with Depts, charities and key stakeholders. Home - Protecting Animals, Protecting People - The Links Group

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Christina Warner, Barrister and founder of Ruby's Law, spoke at the recent animal welfare conference held by Causeway Coast Dog Rescue in Queens University on 1st October 2025.

Rubys Law is focusing on supporting victims and surivors of domestica abuse and coercive control in relation to their pets.  CCDR is the advocate in Northern Ireland working on the adoption and implimenation of Rubys law which requires a multidiscplinary approach to the legislation and service delivery in ensuring that the legislation is both implimentated and enforced.  www.rubyslaw.co.uk 

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Tara Cunningham, Causeway Coast Dog Rescue talks to Natalie Harney, Campaign Manager for Naturewatch UK.  Natalie has been instrumental in her research helping to identify gaps and issues in animals welfare. 

Natalie joined Naturewatch in 2021 from the RSPCA’s Animal Logistics team. She manages our puppy farming and animal experiments campaigns.  She has a long-standing interest in animal protection law, which she pursues outside of work in a voluntary capacity.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, Marley and Jess.

Recently, Naturewatch published a report on Licences issued to Dog Breeding Establishments in the UK and Ireland, and the impact of those licences and the sheer numbers of breeding females being used. CCDR contributed to the report as we worked in partneship to identify issues in N.Ireland and supporting with expertise also in Ireland. By identifying a comprehensive picture of breeding and breeding licences in five countries (UK and Ireland) it is a shocking outcome to understanding the lack of cohesive approach to breeding by goverment.  This report is currently being updated to review the current position and how it looks going into 2026.

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Speaking with Dr Marc Abraham OBE at the CCDR Animal Welfare Conference focusing on Reform, Marc explains the origins of Lucys Law and why collaboration is the key to ensure that throughout the UK, we can ensure there are no longer third party sellers of pups and kittens which put companion animals at risk with low welfare. Marc also shares his thoughts on this year's conference. 

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Dr Tara Quinn has been a key speaker at the CCDR Companion Animal Welfare conference in 2024 and this year, Dr Quinn came back to show her support. Dr Quinn has provided some expertise help and support for those in charities working in Northern Ireland.

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Speaking to Patrick Baga of GREY2KUSA Worldwide, a charity located in Boston USA which promotes and supports the welfare of greyhounds.  Patrick spoke about his research and the charity's achievements in promoting Greyhound Welfare, as well as being one of the Conference's sponsors this year, Patrick contributed to discussions and answered questions as part of a panel focusing on all things Greyhound. 

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Speaking to Vannessa Waddon CEO of Hope Rescue, Wales and Tim Doyle, previously CEO of Greyhound Rescue Wales, who spoke about their part in this year's animal welfare conference, held in Queens University Belfast, on 1st October 2025. www.causewaycoastdogrescue.org 

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Causeway Coast Dog Rescue held our anuual animal welfare conference, focusing on REFORM, at Queens University on 1st October 2025.  Key speaker at the conference, Dr Lynch of the Links Group was interviewed afterwards on her thoughts at the conference and of the discussions which took place.

Dr Lynch spoke of the connection between protect animals, protect people and the importance of recognising that connection.  Full presentation to follow.

Protecting Animals, Protecting People - The Links Group | Support our mission to end abuse of people and animals. Stay informed with news, events, webinars, support & training

Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X, and please go to our website for support and information, as well as details on how to make a donation or do some fundraising! 🐾😊

Causeway Coast Dog Rescue held our anuual animal welfare conference, focusing on REFORM, at Queens University on 1st October 2025.  Key speaker at the conference, Christina Warner, Barrister and advocate of Ruby's Law, was interviewed afterwards on her thoughts at the conference and of the discussions which took place.

Christina designed Rubys Law following her work in Family Law, realising there is a gap in the legislation to protect those experiencing domestic abuse when leaving with pets.  Realising that pets can also suffer abuse from the perpetraitor it is important that protections are also put in place to protect the animal which will also protect the people.  Full presentation to follow.

Ruby's Law - Protecting pets in family law | Ruby's Law 

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Tara Cunningham, Causeway Coast Dog Rescue interviews Dr Lynch of the Links Group. Their vision, is to have a world free from abuse of people and animals. The Links Group raise awareness about the link between the above of people and animals through collaboration, research, training and advocacy. 

Causeway Coast Dog Rescue has been raising awareness to the seriousness of the impact on pets resulting from domestic abuse in relationships. Dr Lynch has recently designed and launched a new training and support platform to support agencies who have direct access to victims and survivors of abuse.

Since 2001, their dedicated team have been at the forefront of raising awareness about the link between the abuse of people and animals in the UK. Each year, they train thousands of professionals, including veterinary teams, animal welfare teams and human welfare professionals. The Links Group are subject matter experts in this area, and have expert witnesses within the team providing crucial testimony in cases involving the abuse of people and animals. Their specialist domestic abuse animal fostering services set best practice standards and provide support for those working across the UK in this highly specialised area. Protecting Animals, Protecting People - The Links Group | Support our mission to end abuse of people and animals. Stay informed with news, events, webinars, support & training

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Tara Cunningham of Causeway Coast Dog Rescue speaks to Mark Randell, Mark is a retired UK senior police detective turned global animal welfare advocate. Following a career in covert operations and counter-terrorism, he applied his investigative skills to exposing and tackling animal cruelty worldwide. As a leading voice in the Protect Animals. Protect People campaign, Mark works to show how animal protection and community safety are linked, driving change through advocacy, education, and frontline action.  We talk all things dog and companion animal welfare, and the intrinsic link between organised crime, criminals and animal abuse and of course we discuss 'Bailey', a dog purchased from a domestic household and put into Magilligan Prison as an emotional support dog to prisoners in Northern Ireland. The questions include... how can we do better to protect our animals?

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Dr Marc Abraham OBE, known as 'Marc the vet'  is a practicing & media vet, animal welfare campaigner, author, social media & PR consultancy.

Dr Marc wears many hats all with the same focus of improving animal welfare.  Dr Marc talks about Lucys' Law which is currently in progress of becoming law in Northern Ireland, and the importance of speaking at primary schools to teach children how to be the responsible dog owners, and understanding the needs of their pets.

Marc has worked on a number of campaigns, focusing on Greyhounds as companion animals and the importance of removing them from racing. He has many achievements stemming from his vocation to improve animal welfare, but a more recent one is becoming an children's author. He has previously written 'be more mosquito'  which received great support and now a children's author. He has many more accolades, which include:

Ambassador and/or Patron of Edinburgh Dogs & Cats Home, Oldies Club, Animals Asia, All Dogs Matter, Humane Society International UK, Stolen & Missing Pets Alliance UK, SPANA, Our Special Friends, Forever Hounds Trust, Friends of Animals Wales, and more.  He has also 
International veterinary voluntary work; Founder of successful Pup Aid puppy farm awareness campaign & celebrity-judged dog show; Founder of successful #LucysLaw campaign banning third party commercial puppy & kitten dealers in England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland; Founder of successful #BanPuppyImports campaign soon to be made legislation 
Co-founder & Secretariat of All-Party Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) organising meetings in Westminster & mentoring/overseeing/supporting other campaigns' progress; Speaker at London Vet Show, BSAVA Congress, SPVS about practice PR, comms, branding, social media ; Written over 1000 articles on responsible pet ownership for various titles; TV vet on This Morning, BBC Breakfast, SKY News, BBC Politics, ITV News, Paul O'Grady Show & more. 
Radio vet giving advice/comments on all national channels with monthly residency on BBC Sussex/Surrey; Author of 'Vet on Call', 'Pets in Need', 'Lucy's Law: The story of a little dog who changed the world', #BeMoreMosquito: How You Can Campaign & Create Change'; Producer 'Dog By Dog' Movie Documentary about puppy mills in US (2017); Presenter 'Dogspiracy' Movie Documentary (2025); Winner 'Prime Minister's Points of Light' Award 2020; Winner 'Best Public Awareness Cause Campaign' PR Week Campaigns for Good Awards 2019; Winner 'Golden Sabre for Animal Care' #SABREAwardsEMEA 2019; Winner 'Voluntary Sector Campaign of the Year' PRCA Public Affairs Awards 2018; Winner 'Special Award' Daily Mirror/RSPCA Animal Hero Awards 2018; and Winner 'Vet of the Year' 2014, 2015, 2016.

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Dr Tara Quinn, best selling author of 'Microgains', talks All Things Dog, and the importance of mental well being for those working in animal welfare.

The majority of those working in charities, rescuing and rehoming in animal welfare are women, and women of a certain age!  Juggling and balancing the day to day needs of surrendered and unwanted animals, with the demands of family life and home life can be extremely exhausting, both physically and mentally. Dr Tara Quinn supports many projects, but has recently provided FREE external support for those in our charities in Northern Ireland, to seek support when the daily demands become excessive.  Dr Quinn gives an insight to the work she does and the support available for those who wish to learn more or discuss those daily demands.

Dr Quinn is a HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist & Chartered Psychologist/ Associate Fellow with the British Psychological Society, with over 20 years clinical experience with mental health, disability and human behaviour. 

Tara is passionate about helping people to formulate their difficulties and develop strategies to achieve and maintain their wellbeing goals and create the change required to live a more value-based life, and runs her own private practice in Sussex. 

She has a special interest in bringing the principles of psychology to communities to help them cope with adversity and support each other in a compassionate way.

As the Co Director of Conversation Starter Project CIC which is a grass roots project supporting people to manage their emotional health, loneliness and isolation, this includes supporting those in the voluntary sector and animal welfare sector who give so tirelessly to help others. 

She is also the founder of the Human Animal Welfare Alliance (HAWA) supporting the emotional health of those working in the animal welfare sector.

As a seasoned media expert, Tara prides herself on providing high quality psychological information to reach individuals and communities through the media and is a regular guest on TV and Radio and in print articles globally.

Tara provides consultancy and support to a number of charities and wellbeing agencies in the UK, collaborating with Nido Student for the past 3 years supporting student mental heath across Europe.  

She is the host of The Adversity Psychologist Podcast- which aims to help people learn about our incredible coping abilities as we navigate adversity in our lives, tacking topics we don’t usually consider when facing adversity. 

As most recent venture, Dr Tara Quinn is co-author of ‘Talking Heads- Your Guide to Finding a Qualified Therapist in the UK’ this book aims to help the public to understand the complexities of sourcing a therapist including appropriate qualifications, regulation and red flags. 

Microgains was written with Dr Emma Cotterill and is out now- Mental Health Microgains: 50 Small Actions That Will Make a Big Difference to Your Wellbeing 
Using the sports psychology concept of marginal gains, we give you 50 five-minute, easy-to-implement strategies that build to make a big difference to your wellbeing. 

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An introduction to the series of podcasts by Tara Cunningham on behalf of Causeway Coast Dog Rescue, and an overview of future topics for conversation. 

Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X, and please go to our website for support and information, as well as details on how to make a donation or do some fundraising! 🐾😊