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Darragh Bourke2026-01-15 13:36:232026-03-03 11:47:47Sip, Socialise & Wag: Big Bark After DarkListen to all episodes of The Big Bark now
Bringing all the canine stories to you
The Big Bark Dog podcast
The Big Bark is the best canine podcast in Ireland. Each week, we talk to different professionals working in the canine industry across Ireland, such as dog trainers, nutritionists, groomers, behaviour specialists and vets. We will be discussing hot topics with our awesome guests, reviewing the best products, food and treats, the best places to take your dog on a day out and most dog friendly venues in Ireland. We will get out and about to meet with some of the coolest dog owners around and get to chat with their doggies too and we find out about the pawsome bonds they share.
Tune in weekly.
Season 6, Episode 1: Dog Advocacy Ireland, Puppy Farming Reform & The Future of Canine Welfare
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.
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Darragh Bourke2026-01-15 13:36:232026-03-03 11:47:47Sip, Socialise & Wag: Big Bark After Dark
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tempadmin2025-12-31 10:00:042025-12-16 15:56:17Looking Back to Move Forward: How 2025 Shaped a Bigger, Braver 2026 for The Big Bark
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tempadmin2025-12-16 10:24:002025-12-16 11:34:37A Dog Is a Lifetime Commitment – It’s Not a Stocking Filler
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tempadmin2025-12-15 15:00:132025-12-16 13:07:59Why Ireland’s Dog Welfare Laws Must Change to End Industrial Puppy Farming
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Darragh Bourke2025-12-12 14:10:052025-12-12 14:25:43A Broken System: Why Ireland’s Animal Welfare Funding Fails Frontline Rescues
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tempadmin2025-10-21 11:50:112025-10-21 11:52:48Big Bark News & Media calls on Irish public – Do not vote for Heather Humphreys in the upcoming presidential election
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Darragh Bourke2025-06-18 10:20:512025-12-12 20:15:20A Goodbye That Broke My Heart: Remembering Milly, My Best Girl
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Darragh Bourke2024-07-21 12:06:162024-07-24 10:59:28When it comes to animal welfare, The Irish courts system is broken and corruptMeet the team
Meet the team of humans and canines behind The Big Bark
Darragh Bourke
Chief Belly Rub Officer
Darragh is the producer and host of The Big bark podcast. Everything that goes on behind the scenes is done by Darragh. As well as running the podcast, Darragh is a personal servant to the pups, the right way to have it as they like to remind him on an almost hourly basis and as Roxy likes to say "Mush human.... Mush.
Bruno
Chief Pawprints Officer
The best boy Bruno is the Chief Pawprints Officer and always looking for a cuddle or belly rub. Often found lying with his back legs stretched out backwards, this boy loves testing out new treats and loves to spend his evenings cuddling Mammy and Daddy, stealing the couch for himself or stealing roast chickens from the kitchen.
Roxy
Director of Canine Creativity & Chaos
Roxy is known by anyone who meets her as the brat, the rogue with the infectious smile. Roxy is the baby of the team at 2.5 years old. When not up to mischief she loves hanging out with her friends at the dog park and going for a good hike, or just stealing the duvet and pushing her mammy and daddy out of bed.
Milly (RIP)
Golden Lab - The Real Boss, Lovable Rogue
For many years, Milly was the top girl at The Big Bark, the real boss. We sadly said goodbye to Milly earlier this year and while she is gone to play with all our dogs that came before her at the rainbow bridge, she will never be forgotten and will always leave her pawprints on our heart.
Proudly hosted on
Sip, Socialise & Wag: Big Bark After DarkJanuary 15, 2026 - 1:36 pm
Looking Back to Move Forward: How 2025 Shaped a Bigger, Braver 2026 for The Big BarkDecember 31, 2025 - 10:00 am
A Dog Is a Lifetime Commitment – It’s Not a Stocking FillerDecember 16, 2025 - 10:24 am