03.10.25
This week, Natalie from our campaigns team joined campaigners, rescue workers, vets, lawyers and academics to participate in a roundtable discussion at Stormont and an annual Northern Ireland dog welfare conference, both hosted by our friends at Causeway Coast Dog Rescue.
A pivotal moment for dogs in Northern Ireland
These two events could not be more timely as Northern Ireland is potentially at a significant crossroads for dog welfare. The government has recently consulted on new rules for puppy and kitten sales and has set up an expert panel to review its dog breeding laws. At the same time, the EU is considering new welfare standards for breeding, which could eventually apply in Northern Ireland, and Westminster is pushing forward legislation to stop puppy smuggling into Great Britain.
With these changes on the horizon, this is a unique chance to crack down on the illicit puppy trade in Northern Ireland, which causes unimaginable suffering. But it will only happen if the laws are strong and properly enforced.
That’s why Naturewatch Foundation has been working behind the scenes with Causeway Coast Dog Rescue to deep dive into what the impact of these changes would be for dogs in Northern Ireland and identify any gaps that could still leave them at risk. The roundtable offered a perfect opportunity to discuss this work with others and reflect on approaches in other UK nations, too.
Puppy trade, greyhound racing and animal abuse in the spotlight
The conference, held at Queen’s University Belfast, further shone a spotlight on the puppy trade, with inspiring talks from Dr Marc Abraham OBE (APDAWG) about his campaigning to end third-party puppy and kitten sales, and Dr Rowena Packer (Royal Veterinary College), who has conducted extensive research into the UK puppy trade and buyer behaviour.
Vanessa Waddon (Hope Rescue), Patrick Bagga (Grey2K USA Worldwide) and Tim Doyle (formerly of Greyhound Rescue Wales) told the inspiring story of their successful fight to ban greyhound racing in Wales.
Barrister Christina Warner (Ruby’s Law) and Dr Andrea Lynch (Links Group) shared their vital work to protect both human and animal victim-survivors of domestic abuse. We’re excited to be teaming up with Christina later this month to co-host the next APDAWG meeting in Westminster about protecting pets in domestic abuse.
Working together for dogs
The two days were an important reminder that change is possible when people come together. We’re so grateful to Tara Cunningham at Causeway Coast Dog Rescue for making it happen.
Naturewatch Foundation is proud to stand alongside dedicated people working to improve animal welfare in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, and we look forward to bringing you more updates about Northern Ireland soon.
In the meantime, explore our Dog Breeding Map to learn more about puppy breeding in Ireland.
Find out about our Protect Animals, Protect People campaign to break the Link between domestic abuse and animal abuse here.
All photo credits to Stephen Davison / Causeway Coast Dog Rescue
