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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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