The Big Bark News and Media show

The Big Bark News & Media show S06 E03 - Stolen: The Abduction of Mouse & Rupert and Ireland’s Pet Theft CrisisIn Ireland, if someone steals your dog, the law treats it no differently than a stolen lawnmower, a bicycle, or a television set. It’s an outdated system that leaves grieving families without justice while organized criminal gangs target rural communities with impunity.On this episode of The Big Bark News & Media Show, we speak with Maria Costello from County Tipperary. In January, Maria’s world was turned upside down when her two cherished dogs, Mouse and Rupert, were abducted from her home into a van. Maria opens up about the crushing emotional toll, her relentless fight to get Gardaí to act after sending over 40 emails, and the latest critical development as a file is officially referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).We also break down the official Open Letter that BBNM issued to the Minister for Justice today. From the reclassification of companion animals as sentient beings on the Garda PULSE system to the shocking, brazen attempted abductions happening on quiet country roads, we outline the exact questions we are putting to the Department of Justice and why immediate legislative change is long overdue.Read our full Open Letter to the Minister for Justice now at bbnm.ie.If you’ve been affected by pet theft or have information regarding missing pets in your area, report it through the Missing Paws App at bbnm.ie.

This week on The Big Bark Podcast, host Darragh Bourke visits the brand-new Limerick Veterinary Hospital in Castletroy for an exclusive look behind the scenes before the hospital officially opens its doors.Joining us is Dr. Megan Landers, who takes us through the vision behind one of Ireland's newest purpose-built 24-hour veterinary referral hospitals and explains how this state-of-the-art facility will support veterinary practices and pet owners throughout the Mid-West.We explore the specialist referral services that will be available, including advanced dermatology, orthopaedic and spinal surgery, CT imaging, advanced diagnostics and emergency & critical care, alongside the comprehensive medical and surgical services that make this hospital a major addition to veterinary care in Ireland.Dr. Landers also explains what a referral hospital is, how the referral process works with your own vet, and why access to advanced equipment and specialist expertise can make such a difference for pets requiring complex treatment.If you've ever wondered what happens behind the doors of a specialist veterinary hospital, or you're simply passionate about the future of animal healthcare in Ireland, this is an episode you won't want to miss.🎧 Also in this episode:An exclusive tour of Limerick Veterinary HospitalWhat pet owners can expect from a 24-hour referral hospitalSpecialist dermatology referralsAdvanced CT imaging and diagnosticsOrthopaedic and spinal surgeryEmergency and critical care servicesThe future of specialist veterinary medicine in the Mid-WestAvailable now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and BBNM.ie.

Welcome back to The Big Bark Podcast for the first episode of Season 6After an extended break and a fresh new direction for the show, we're delighted to return with an important discussion focused on canine welfare in Ireland.This week, we're joined by John O'Callaghan from Dog Advocacy Ireland (DAI), one of Ireland's leading voices for dog welfare and responsible dog ownership. John tells us about the work Dog Advocacy Ireland carries out across the country, their ongoing campaigns, and the challenges currently facing dogs, owners, rescuers and welfare organisations.We also take an in-depth look at the newly proposed draft legislation surrounding puppy farming in Ireland. What changes are being proposed? Will the legislation go far enough to improve welfare standards? And what impact could these changes have on breeders, rescues and, most importantly, the dogs themselves?Alongside our main discussion, we catch up on some of the latest news and developments from the canine world, discuss upcoming events, and look ahead to what's shaping the future of dog welfare in Ireland.It's a packed episode and the perfect way to kick off a brand-new season of The Big Bark Podcast.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and BBNM.ie.

We took The Big Bark on the road to Pet Expo Ireland 2025 — and it was a tail-wagging success! From meeting amazing pet lovers to chatting with incredible guests from across the canine world, this special episode is packed with pawsitivity, laughter, and plenty of barks. 🐶💬🎧 Tune in now on Spotify to relive the magic, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and celebrate everything that makes Ireland’s pet community so special! 💚

We took The Big Bark on the road to Pet Expo Ireland 2025 — and it was a tail-wagging success! From meeting amazing pet lovers to chatting with incredible guests from across the canine world, this special episode is packed with pawsitivity, laughter, and plenty of barks. 🐶💬🎧 Tune in now on Spotify to relive the magic, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and celebrate everything that makes Ireland’s pet community so special! 💚

We took The Big Bark on the road to Pet Expo Ireland 2025 — and it was a tail-wagging success! From meeting amazing pet lovers to chatting with incredible guests from across the canine world, this special episode is packed with pawsitivity, laughter, and plenty of barks. 🐶💬🎧 Tune in now on Spotify to relive the magic, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and celebrate everything that makes Ireland’s pet community so special! 💚

We took The Big Bark on the road to Pet Expo Ireland 2025 — and it was a tail-wagging success! From meeting amazing pet lovers to chatting with incredible guests from across the canine world, this special episode is packed with pawsitivity, laughter, and plenty of barks. 🐶💬🎧 Tune in now on Spotify to relive the magic, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and celebrate everything that makes Ireland’s pet community so special! 💚

🐾 The Big Bark Podcast – Season 5, Episode 11 🐾The everest for second chances, The Irish Man doing the extreme all in aid of rescue dogsGet ready to unleash some tail-wagging fun on this week's episode of The Big Bark Podcast! 🎙️🐶 Your favorite pack leader Darragh Bourke is back with his trusty canine co-hosts Bruno and Roxy, ready to bark up a storm!This week, we’re sniffing out an incredible adventure as we welcome a very special guest, Dan Cooney who is hiking Carintoohill 15 times in a row for dog rescues in Ireland.Links:⁠https://www.facebook.com/thebigbarkpodcast⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebigbarkpodcast⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/thebigbarkpodcast⁠⁠https://thebigbark.ie⁠Hosted by Big Bark Media & PressBecome a member of The Big Bark Podcast + By becoming a member and subscriber, you can gain access to behind the scenes videos and interviews, bloopers and see what our wonderful puppies get up to. ⁠https://plus.acast.com/s/the-big-bark-dog-podcast⁠. Hosted on Acast. See ⁠acast.com/privacy⁠ for more information.

In this deeply personal and emotional episode of The Big Bark Podcast, host Darragh Bourke honours the life, love, and legacy of his best friend – Milly, his beloved Labrador who passed away earlier this week..Milly wasn't just a pet – she was family. A loyal companion through life’s most difficult moments, a hilarious rogue with a heart of gold, and a bright light to everyone she met. From belly rubs with the Munster rugby team, to barking at donkeys, to curling up beside her little sister Roxy on the couch, Milly brought joy, mischief, and unconditional love into every single day.Darragh reflects on nine beautiful years of memories: the walks, the cuddles, the laughs, and even the gin incident in the pub. He shares the story of how Milly helped him and his family through the devastating loss of his brother Shane, and how she continued to look after them until her final moments.This episode also serves as a message to all dog owners: never take a day for granted, and always prioritise your dog’s health. Milly passed due to chronic kidney failure — a silent condition that wasn’t caught in time. Darragh speaks candidly about the guilt, the grief, and the importance of regular vet checks, hoping to help others avoid the same heartbreak.💛 This tribute is Milly’s legacy — one of love, loyalty, and laughter.We hope you’ll join us in remembering one of the very best girls there ever was.🐾 Run free, Milly. Forever in our hearts.

Summer is here, and it's time to grab the lead and hit the road for some tail-wagging adventures! In this episode of The Big Bark, we’re diving into the best ways to enjoy the sunshine with your furry friend. From beach strolls to woodland hikes, we've got your doggy day out covered!Today, we chat with the team at Follow Fox Events about their exciting upcoming event Pawmerstown at the Manor at Palmerstown Estate — a must-visit summer celebration for dogs and their humans. Get ready for fun in the sun and pawsome plans!