Newry animal rescue welcomes new board members and reports major growth in welfare services
The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) Newry has published its Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024/25, showcasing a year of significant achievements in animal welfare across Northern Ireland.
The leading animal welfare charity is also welcoming five new members to its board which includes former Chief of Staff at 10 Downing Street Baroness Sue Gray CBE a distinguished public servant whose career in government has spanned more than four decades.
Other new board members include Brendan Mullan, Fellow of the Institute of Directors; Eamon Mullan, an experienced governance consultant; Dr Pauline Sheenan, a highly experienced medical professional with nearly 35 years in clinical practice and leading community and voluntary consultant Andrew Talbot.
The last financial period was a milestone year of impactful delivery for the USPCA, which involved the charity providing a lifeline to thousands of animals, rehoming 368 companion animals and responding to an unprecedented 1,654 wildlife rescues, marking a 56% increase on the previous year.
The charity also issued 559 veterinary vouchers to ensure timely treatment for injured wildlife and distributed 7,879 pet food parcels through 51 food banks, helping families keep beloved pets during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. It also delivered 6,781 vet consultations and over 1,000 surgeries.
The USPCA’s Special Investigations Unit, meanwhile, continued its vital work to combat organised animal cruelty through important research, while the charity’s advocacy efforts included campaigning for legislative reform, such as banning hunting with dogs and introducing a register of animal welfare offenders.
Chief Executive Heather Weir, who joined the charity in June 2025, reaffirmed the USPCA’s commitment to expanding services and strengthening partnerships:
“Our mission remains clear – to prevent cruelty, relieve suffering, and advance animal welfare. This year we have made good progress, and this reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters.
“I take great pride in working alongside fellow advocates who rescue, treat, and rehabilitate vulnerable animals every day. Seeing the transformation they bring, is inspiring and I’m committed to building on the USPCA’s legacy, ensuring that every animal in need has a voice. I also welcome the appointment of our new board members and know they will bring a wealth of experience and insight as we grow the charity into the future.”
Dr John Farrell, Chair of the USPCA added: “This year’s achievements reflect the unwavering commitment of our staff, volunteers, and supporters. Together, we have strengthened our voice for animal welfare and delivered life-changing services for thousands of animals. With your continued support, we can build on this success and ensure a brighter future for all animals in Northern Ireland.”
Looking ahead, the USPCA plans to enhance its reach across Northern Ireland, invest in responsive animal welfare services, create effective partnerships and advance campaigning and advocacy work to improve animal welfare legislation in Northern Ireland. To enable future plans, it is developing a robust social enterprise model to secure long-term sustainability and plans to bring in new leadership and fundraising functions as well as improved governance.
“The USPCA’s next phase will be towards sustainable growth as a charity and the development of a long-term strategic plan that shows our deep-rooted commitment towards the eradication of animal suffering and the prevention of animal cruelty,” said Heather Weir.
“We can’t do it alone and this is where the public, enforcement partners, supporting charities and politicians play a key role. Together we can make a positive difference, making Northern Ireland a safer place for animals.”
USPCA Annual Report 2024/25 report highlights:
1,654 wildlife rescues
368 animals rehomed
7,879 pet food parcels
7,842 vet consultations & surgeries
For more information or to support our work, visit www.uspca.co.uk