Two leading animal welfare charities merge to create new national animal welfare organisation

The Boards of the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) and Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) today confirm both organisations have signed an agreement to merge to form a single, integrated national animal welfare organisation. The merger when fully completed will create the new National SPCA (final brand to be agreed and approved by the Charity Regulator) and will be operational by 1^st October 2025.

The establishment of one leading animal welfare charity in Ireland will deliver a unified national animal welfare strategy across the country to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome sick, injured or cruelly treated animals.  Ireland is currently in the midst of a national crisis in animal welfare with record numbers of animals requiring rescue, treatment and rehoming. This has put huge strain on all organisations in the sector. This merger brings together Ireland’s two largest animal welfare charities who have always had the same mission: the protection of animals and prevention of cruelty.   The new entity will benefit from combined resources, structure, expertise, facilities and geographical reach.

Mr. Paul Connell, Chair of the DSPCA, will be Chair of the new organization and Mr. Pat Watt, CEO of DSPCA, will become CEO of the National SPCA when operational.  The Board of the new organisation will include representatives of both the DSPCA and the ISPCA.

Speaking at the announcement, DSPCA CEO, Pat Watt said; “This is a transformational and exciting development for animal welfare in Ireland, bringing together the two largest animal welfare charities who share a mutual commitment, ambition and vision to form one integrated national animal welfare organisation.”

Paul Connell, Chair of the DSPCA said: “The new charity represents a positive pooling of resources, expertise, history and DNA to create a stronger national entity that will deliver a seamless national approach to benefit animal welfare policies, legislation, enforcement and on the ground animal welfare initiatives. Both Boards have worked tirelessly over the last number of months to make this merger happen. It is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, and we are fully committed to building upon the strength and impact of both organisations to deliver even greater impact on animal welfare in Ireland as a result of the enlarged scale and footprint of the new National SPCA.”

Pete Wedderburn Chair of ISPCA said: “This exciting merger furthers the cause of animal protection in Ireland. It is a welcome move that will result in better services and treatment for animals that are at risk and that is our overriding priority at all times. The merger creates a new and enduring brand in Ireland that aligns with public expectation and the need to meet ever growing challenges for animals.  The National SPCA will deliver a unified animal welfare capability ensuring that our vital work is prioritised, supported and resourced appropriately. It enables a national reach with our animal facilities and inspectors nationwide playing an even more important role into the future.”

It is envisaged the new National SPCA will deliver a unified national animal welfare strategy and capability and bring many benefits to current and future initiatives. This includes having one unified, stronger voice for animal welfare at a national level; creating one national animal welfare inspectorate; expanding national welfare education programmes; and operating a national infrastructure of animal shelters with additional investment and expertise to modernise and maintain consistently high standards of animal welfare throughout the country. This will be augmented by a network of Associate animal welfare organisations around the country who share our commitment and vision for animal welfare in Ireland.

Concluding, Mr Watt stated: “This is the next exciting chapter in the evolution of the much loved and iconic brands of the DSPCA and ISPCA to create the National SPCA and move forward as a national organisation continuing to do our utmost for the care and welfare of animals in Ireland. We are confident that both the DSPCA and ISPCA’s loyal and dedicated staff, volunteers, associates, partners, advocates, fundraisers and the general public, who give so generously to support our work, will support our joint ambition to create a new powerful national organisation that will continue to place animal welfare at the heart of all our ambitions.