Off Duty

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.

With an increase in strangles cases and a lot of misinformation circulating on social media, we’re bringing you a short bonus episode of Off Duty to answer your questions.

We managed to catch Off Duty co-host and equine vet Sabrina in the middle of a busy schedule to respond to real questions sent in by horse owners who are trying to do the right thing and want clear, factual advice.

This listener-led Q&A covers how strangles spreads, early signs to watch for, managing risk when competing or travelling, vaccination considerations, and what to do if your horse or yard is affected.

The aim isn’t to create panic, but to cut through the noise, address misinformation, and help owners make sensible, informed decisions.

If you’re concerned about your own horse, always contact your own vet or Dooneen Vets for advice. We hope to return to this topic in a future full episode, looking more broadly at equine infectious diseases and how to create an effective infectious disease plan for your yard.

If you’ve ever heard us say “Just email Catherine” — this is why.

Catherine Griffin from Snout & About joins us to break down what behaviour actually means, why it’s not the same as training, and why so many cases have pain or emotional distress at the root.

We talk:

Puppy foundations

Overstimulation & modern dog lifestyles

Why muzzles shouldn’t carry stigma

The importance of early intervention

And how behaviour work starts long before you ever “train” a dog

This is a collaborative, evidence-based approach to behaviour — and honestly, it changed how we think in clinic.

Thanks to Chanelle Pharma for supporting this episode.

Part 1 of a multi-part series.

If you would like to contact Catherine 

www.snoutandabout.ie

Are you preparing for your Pony Club D+ Test? Wondering what examiners look for in stable management, riding and horse care?

In this episode of Off Duty, we share a practical, step-by-step guide to passing the Pony Club D Plus Test — covering everything candidates must know before progressing to the C Test.

This episode is ideal for Pony Club members, parents supporting riders, and instructors revising D+ stable management topics.

In Part 1 we cover:

✅ D+ Test format and requirements

✅ What to wear for the Pony Club D+ exam

✅ Riding expectations, including jumping (up to 65cm) and riding on undulating ground

✅ Basic needs of a pony living in a field

✅ Daily health checks and field safety

✅ How to put on a saddle and bridle correctly

✅ Correct tack fitting (noseband & throatlash rules)

✅ How to clean and care for tack properly

✅ How to safely catch and turn out a pony

✅ How to lead and trot up a pony in hand

✅ Safe tying techniques (and why baler twine matters)

Whether you're sitting your D+ this season or helping your child prepare, this episode gives you clear, practical guidance to build confidence before test day.

🎧 Follow Off Duty so you don’t miss Part 2 — where we’ll cover grooming kits, picking out feet, colours and markings, rugs, turnout, and performing a proper pony health check.

Are you preparing for your Pony Club D+ Test? Wondering what examiners look for in stable management, riding and horse care?

In this episode of Off Duty, we share a practical, step-by-step guide to passing the Pony Club D Plus Test — covering everything candidates must know before progressing to the C Test.

This episode is ideal for Pony Club members, parents supporting riders, and instructors revising D+ stable management topics.

In Part 1 we cover:

✅ D+ Test format and requirements

✅ What to wear for the Pony Club D+ exam

✅ Riding expectations, including jumping (up to 65cm) and riding on undulating ground

✅ Basic needs of a pony living in a field

✅ Daily health checks and field safety

✅ How to put on a saddle and bridle correctly

✅ Correct tack fitting (noseband & throatlash rules)

✅ How to clean and care for tack properly

✅ How to safely catch and turn out a pony

✅ How to lead and trot up a pony in hand

✅ Safe tying techniques (and why baler twine matters)

Whether you're sitting your D+ this season or helping your child prepare, this episode gives you clear, practical guidance to build confidence before test day.

🎧 Follow Off Duty so you don’t miss Part 2 — where we’ll cover grooming kits, picking out feet, colours and markings, rugs, turnout, and performing a proper pony health check.