Major Merger of DSPCA and ISPCA to Combat Animal Cruelty

URGENT UPDATE: Two of Ireland’s leading animal welfare charities, the DSPCA and ISPCA, have just announced a historic merger to form the National SPCA, set to launch by October 1, 2025. This pivotal move comes amid a severe animal welfare crisis in the country, where record numbers of animals are in desperate need of rescue and rehoming.

The merger is a response to escalating challenges faced by animal welfare organizations since the onset of Covid-19. According to the ISPCA, Chief Inspector Conor Dowling highlighted a troubling rise in animal neglect, citing a “lasting fallout from Covid and the lockdowns” that has strained resources. Many charities are now only able to address the most urgent cases of neglect.

The newly formed National SPCA aims to consolidate resources, expertise, and facilities from both organizations, creating a unified front against animal cruelty. This merger is expected to enhance the delivery of services and establish a strong national animal welfare inspectorate.

Speaking on this transformative announcement, Pat Watt, CEO of the DSPCA, expressed optimism: “This is a transformational and exciting development for animal welfare in Ireland.” He emphasized the collaborative effort to create a seamless national approach to animal welfare policies and initiatives.

Paul Connell, Chair of the DSPCA, echoed this sentiment, calling the merger a “positive pooling of resources, expertise, history, and DNA” to build a stronger entity dedicated to animal welfare. The National SPCA will also enhance educational programs and operate national animal shelters, aiming to significantly impact animal welfare across Ireland.

This urgent merger reflects a growing recognition of the need for effective animal welfare management in the face of increasing challenges. Both charities have committed to working together to benefit from combined expertise and geographical reach, ultimately striving for a much-needed improvement in the welfare of animals nationwide.

As this development unfolds, the animal welfare community is rallying behind the new organization, hoping it will pave the way for improved treatment and protection of animals across the country.

Stay tuned for more updates as the National SPCA prepares to launch and take on the pressing issues facing animal welfare in Ireland.