Inside Animal Welfare: Life as an ISPCA Inspector with Alice Lacey

In this episode of Off Duty, we sit down with Alice Lacey, Senior Animal Welfare Inspector with the ISPCA, to explore the realities of working on the front line of animal welfare in Ireland. Alice shares her journey from volunteering to becoming an inspector, and gives an honest insight into the emotional, challenging, and deeply rewarding nature of her work. From dealing with neglect cases and navigating difficult conversations with owners, to giving evidence in court and rescuing animals in distress, no two days are ever the same. We discuss: What animal welfare inspectors really do (and common misconceptions) The balance between education, enforcement, and empathy The emotional toll of the job and managing compassion fatigue Why most cases are neglect—not intentional cruelty The importance of microchipping, traceability, and responsible ownership Current welfare concerns including overbreeding, biosecurity, and feral cat populations Alice also shares powerful personal stories—from rescuing animals in heartbreaking situations to adopting her own dog through welfare work—and what keeps her motivated despite the challenges. This episode is a reminder that small actions—education, early intervention, and responsible ownership—can make a huge difference to animal welfare. 📞 If you have concerns about animal welfare, reports can be made to the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline.