We cannot change what we don’t understand... so we want to make dog law accessible and easily understood
by everyone - the general public, animal rescues, An Garda Síochána, the Government, the veterinarian
community, the legal profession & all those working in the canine industry.
While we are small in number, we are determined to make a change. We are also very fortunate to have
developed so many wonderful relationships with those who have been at the forefront of advocating for Ireland’s
dogs long before Dog Law Ireland became Dog Law Ireland. We also have some wonderful people volunteering their time to help us & we are always open to hearing
from people who would like to help (in particular legal researchers!) so please do get in touch if you would like to get involved.
About Us
In August 2024, solicitors Hannah Unger, Carrie McMeel and Demi Mullen founded Dog Law Ireland (or DLÍ, which is also the Irish word for “Law”).
Our Purpose
Meet the DLI Team
Carrie McMeel
5 years qualified, commercial, data protection and regulatory solicitor. Carrie regularly advises dog rescues in relation to legal issues as they arise for them. She has also extensively advised and drafted policies, agreements and procedures for dog rescues. Carrie gives countless hours of volunteering at her local rescue, Dogs Aid and is the proud owner of her two gorgeous rescue dogs; Dots (Collon) & Zag (Dogs Aid)
Demi Mullen
6 years qualified, investment funds solicitor. Demi co-established the Animal Law Network Ireland along with a colleague in 2024 - a group for legal professionals and academics with an interest in animal law in Ireland. Demi has presented on dog law in Ireland at the UK Centre for Animal Law Conference and Causeway Coast Dog Rescue’s Companion Animal Welfare Conference. Demi adopted her gorgeous furbaby Klaus from Cara Rescue in February 2019.
Hannah Unger
6 years qualified, public and regulatory law solicitor with Fieldfisher Ireland LLP. Along with her day to day work, she leads a pro bono team focused on reviewing dog laws and proposing reforms. In May 2024, Hannah published a report titled 'Key Reforms to Dog Breeding in Ireland' which she presented at Leinster House. In addition, she regularly shares her expertise in the media, contributing to both print and radio discussions on dog breeding reforms. Hannah also advises dog rescues in relation to legal issues as they arise for them and has assisted in drafting their policies and procedures. In addition, she advises private clients in relation to the Control of Dogs Act 1986 (as amended). Hannah fosters dogs for Dogs Angels Ireland and adopted the gorgeous Twinkle from Dogs Angels in 2022.
Our Accomplishments
One of our proudest accomplishments to date has been providing support to the legal team who took a judicial review against the XL Bully Regulations. As a result of this challenge, the law is going to be made clearer and will ensure better safeguards for owners and dogs.
You can read more about the work done here
Submitted open letters to the Minister for Rural and Community Development in relation to the XL Bully Regulations
Prepared a “Pawsitive Pledge” for general election candidates to sign
Met with a number of dog loving politicians to discuss plans to prepare private members bills
Submitted countless freedom of information requests, parliamentary questions; and much much more