Worldwide input for Causeway Coast Dog Rescue conference

Causeway Coast Dog Rescue has announced its upcoming Reform Conference, a vital event focused on advancing legislative reform and improving welfare standards for dogs across Northern Ireland and the UK.

Bringing together key stakeholders from rescue organisations and veterinary professionals to policymakers and welfare advocates, the conference seeks to challenge outdated systems and promote meaningful, ethical change.

“We are especially honoured to welcome GREY2K USA Worldwide as one of our official sponsors of this year’s event,” stated Tara Cunningham Causeway Coast Dog Rescue.

GREY2K USA Worldwide is a leading non-profit advocacy organisation dedicated to ending the cruelty of greyhound racing and promoting the adoption of retired racing dogs. Since its founding in 2001, the group has successfully worked to pass greyhound protection laws, close racetracks, and raise global awareness about the welfare issues inherent in commercial dog racing.

The global movement to phase out greyhound racing is having so much success because it is collaborative in nature,” said Patrick Baga, Director of Advocacy and Research of GREY2K USA Worldwide.

“Causeway Coast Dog Rescue’s commitment to bringing experts together who are at the cutting edge of their fields ensures that dogs in Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and beyond will have more voices advocating for evidence-based, achievable reforms. It is a privilege to be able to support these efforts.”

With campaigns active across the United States, the UK, Ireland, and beyond, GREY2K USA Worldwide has been a tireless voice for greyhounds exploited for profit. Their support of the Reform Conference highlights their commitment not only to greyhound welfare but also to broader issues of dog protection, responsible breeding, and legislative transparency.

“This conference represents a crucial moment to re-evaluate how our society protects its most vulnerable animals,” stated Tara. She continued,  “We’re proud to stand beside GREY2K USA Worldwide, an organisation that has proven what determined advocacy can achieve, as we work together to push for reforms that will protect all dogs, regardless of breed or background.”

Patrick Baga will be part of the panel discussions on Greyhounds, the Reform Conference will feature a diverse programme of speakers and collaborative sessions aimed at producing actionable policy recommendations, which includes Vanessa Waddon of Hope Rescue and Tim Doyle of Greyhound Rescue Wales. 

Topics will include regulation of breeding and sale practices, review of current rehoming models, and the need for comprehensive data and oversight within the animal welfare sector.

The conference will be held at Queens University Belfast on the 1st October 2025.