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 Crisis
In 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 It’s an outdated system that leaves grieving families without justice while organized criminal gangs target rural communities with impunity.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 Hospital
What pet owners can expect from a 24-hour referral hospital
Specialist dermatology referrals
Advanced CT imaging and diagnostics
Orthopaedic and spinal surgery
Emergency and critical care services
The future of specialist veterinary medicine in the Mid-West
Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and BBNM.ie.

Welcome back to The Big Bark Podcast for the first episode of Season 6
After 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! 💚