Dog Law Ireland presented its case before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture on October 7 as part of the pre-legislative review of the General Scheme of the Dog Breeding Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2026. The organization called for a comprehensive all-island approach to dog welfare, expressing concerns that proposed legislative changes in Northern Ireland could lead breeders to move across the border to avoid tighter regulations.
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Led by Fieldfisher associate and co-founder Hannah Unger, along with fellow co-founders Carrie McMeel and Demi Mullen, the group urged for several key reforms, including a cap on the number of breeding females, improved staffing ratios, stronger enforcement capabilities, and the establishment of an independent regulator for dog breeding and welfare.
The amendments suggested for the Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 would result in more stringent regulations in Northern Ireland compared to those proposed in the general scheme. Dog Law Ireland emphasized the necessity for coordinated dog welfare policies across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to prevent large-scale commercial breeders from migrating south due to less stringent regulations.
Unger pointed out the disparity between regulations affecting commercial breeders and 'backyard' breeders, which could lead to gaps in animal welfare protections. She stated that while legislation could improve conditions for dogs in breeding establishments, it would not extend similar protections to dogs sourced from backyard breeders. This concern is underscored by the significant number of dogs—estimated at 400 to 500 annually—rescued by organizations affiliated with Dog Law Ireland, 90 percent of which come from backyard breeders.
Dog Law Ireland, founded by solicitors Hannah Unger, Demi Mullen, and Carrie McMeel, advocates for improved legislation and enhanced enforcement of animal welfare standards.