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The Journal
2 days ago
- Health
- The Journal
The ISPCA and DSPCA are merging and rebranding to crack down on animal cruelty
TWO LEADING ANIMAL welfare charities are merging to create a new national animal welfare organisation and improve delivery of services, as the country sees record breaking levels of animal welfare issues. DSPCA and ISPCA have signed an agreement to form a single, integrated national animal welfare organisation, the National SPCA, which will be up and running by October 1 2025. According to the charities, Ireland is currently experiencing an animal welfare crisis, with record numbers of animals requiring rescue, treatment and rehoming. Advertisement The Journal previously reported that since Covid-19 animal welfare organisations have been under significant strain, with some charities only having the resources to take the most urgent neglect cases . Chief Inspector for the ISPCA, Conor Dowling, told The Journal there has been a rise in animal neglect due to a 'lasting fallout from Covid and the lockdowns' when dog ownership and breeding increased. ISPCA and DSPCA are Ireland's largest animal welfare organisations in the country, they are coming together to benefit from 'combined resources, structure, expertise, facilities and geographical reach'. A kitten rescued by the DSPCA. According to a statement released today, the National SPCA plans to deliver a greater impact on animal welfare by having one strong voice for animal welfare and one national animal welfare inspectorate. Related Reads DSPCA calls for task force to address 'growing' horse welfare crisis in Dublin Increase in animal neglect since Covid-19 means Irish shelters can only take urgent cases The merger will also expand national animal welfare education programmes and operate national animal shelters. Paul Connell, Chair of the DSPCA, will be Chair of the new organisation and 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.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Extra.ie
07-08-2025
- Extra.ie
Is your soulmate a chatbot? Thousands of Irish adults turn to AI for love
The quest for love and companionship has always been a bit of a challenge, and finding 'The One', can test even the hardiest of souls, but have you, or would you ever consider having a relationship with an AI Chatbot? If you have, you have plenty of company, as a new study has shown that 370,000 adults in Ireland have pursued a romantic relationship with one of these virtual partners. Research carried out by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom, found that 13 per cent of men have had a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot, and 7 per cent of women have also pursued this line of romantic entanglement. Pic: Getty Images The survey revealed that some 20 per cent of people, believe romantic relationships with AI are, or would be, less complicated than human relationships, and while that may be the case, one in ten people claim romantic relationships with AI beings, are a good way to practice for real life relationships. It also revealed, quite surprisingly, that the highest number of people who pursued a romantic relationship with their Chatbot, was among 25-34 year old's, with an astonishing 16 percent of youngsters admitting to having had, or currently pursuing this kind of version of 'loves young dream'. Chief Executive of Pure Telecom, Paul Connell, said 'This research highlights the pivotal role that AI is beginning to play not just in our professional lives, but our personal ones also.' (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) He added, 'As people and technology become increasingly integrated, and AI becomes progressively more advanced, adults in Ireland have found it to be an unexpected source of emotional connection.' 'The recent AI boom means that these bots are now readily accessible to all of us – and there's no agony of waiting around for a reply!' Pic: Shutterstock 'While relationships with bots may seem unconventional, it underscores the remarkable capacity of artificial intelligence to foster connections as it becomes increasingly responsive to our needs.' 'However, it is no replacement for the rewarding spontaneity and depth of human connection.' Meanwhile, the survey also revealed that 18 per cent of people use AI to research health symptoms and treatments, while 10 per cent use it as a form of therapy and to get life advice. We've come a long way from practicing kissing on our pillows, to practicing our skills for finding love with an AI Chatbot. As they might say on 'Down with that sort of thing'.
BreakingNews.ie
07-08-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
370,000 adults in Ireland have pursued a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot
Research has shown that 370,000 adults in Ireland have pursued a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot. Research carried out by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom, found that 13 per cent of men have had a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot, compared to seven per cent of women. Advertisement 20 per cent believe romantic relationships with AI are, or would be, less complicated than human relationships. 10 per cent of people claim romantic relationships with AI are a good way to practice for real life relationships. The age group with the highest amount of people who pursued a romantic relationship with an AI chatbox was 25-34-year-olds at 16 per cent. 18 per cent of people use it to research health symptoms and treatments, while 10 per cent use it as a form of therapy and to get life advice. Advertisement Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said: 'This research highlights the pivotal role that AI is beginning to play not just in our professional lives, but our personal ones also. "As people and technology become increasingly integrated, and AI becomes progressively more advanced, adults in Ireland have found it to be an unexpected source of emotional connection. "The recent AI boom means that these bots are now readily accessible to all of us – and there's no agony of waiting around for a reply! 'While relationships with bots may seem unconventional, it underscores the remarkable capacity of artificial intelligence to foster connections as it becomes increasingly responsive to our needs. "The use of these large language models (LLMs) requires fast, reliable internet access and as a provider of this, we at Pure Telecom are excited by the possibilities that AI unlocks. However, it is no replacement for the rewarding spontaneity and depth of human connection.'
RTÉ News
07-08-2025
- RTÉ News
Romantic relationships with AI chatbots on the rise
370,000 adults in Ireland have had a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot within the last 12 months, new research shows. The survey by broadband and telecoms provider Pure Telecom reveals that a further 12% of adults, almost half a million people, wouldn't rule out such a relationship in the future. 20% said they believe romantic relationships with AI would be less complicated than human ones. Meanwhile, 10% said it's a good way to practice for real life relationships. More men than women have had such relationships in the last year at 13%, compared to just 7% of women. In terms of age groups, the figure was highest among 25-34 year olds. Almost one in five of those surveyed said they speak to AI like it's a friend, with 36% saying 'please' and 'thank you'. 18% use it to research health symptoms and treatments, while one in ten use it as a form of therapy and to get life advice. "This research highlights the pivotal role that AI is beginning to play not just in our professional lives, but our personal ones also," said Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom. "As people and technology become increasingly integrated, and AI becomes progressively more advanced, adults in Ireland have found it to be an unexpected source of emotional connection. "The recent AI boom means that these bots are now readily accessible to all of us - and there's no agony of waiting around for a reply," he added.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dolores Catania Gives Health Update After Heart Surgery
Real Housewives of New Jersey star is on the mend after a recent heart procedure—and she's using the experience to urge others to take their health seriously. The Traitors alum first told fans in May that she had been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, or AFib, a condition that causes a rapid, irregular heartbeat. The diagnosis led to a cardiac ablation surgery to correct the issue. Dolores Catania has advice for fans In a June 20 Instagram post, Dolores, 54, walked viewers through her journey from diagnosis to recovery. She even brought in her cardiologist, Dr. Robert Altman, to help spread awareness about heart health. Dolores shared that her symptoms started about six months ago. 'I was driving when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my chest that radiated down my arm,' she said. 'As women, we tend to ignore aches and pains, brushing them off as part of everyday life—but this felt different.' She admitted that after that moment, the symptoms worsened. 'I started experiencing frequent flutters in my chest, sometimes waking me up at night,' she said. 'Eventually, I got scared enough to call my cardiologist.' He had her wear a heart monitor. 'Within hours, he called to tell me I had AFib,' Dolores explained. She was then referred to an electrophysiologist who confirmed the diagnosis. Luckily, Dolores was already familiar with the ablation procedure. Her boyfriend, Paul Connell, had undergone it for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, another heart condition. Now, Dolores is encouraging fans to pay attention to warning signs. 'I'm sharing this because I want you to listen to your body,' she said. 'DON'T IGNORE THIS. AFib increases your risk of stroke or heart attack.' She added, 'I'm not 6 weeks out and back to myself! I'll be off all medication soon, and I haven't had any episodes since the procedure.' In the meantime, Dolores is also dealing with other health struggles. Earlier this month, she opened up about weight gain while taking Mounjaro. 'I'm having a really hard time right now. My Mounjaro stopped working, I gained 20 pounds,' she said during a SiriusXM interview. Through it all, Dolores remains focused on feeling better and living fully. 'Take care of yourself – you deserve it,' she reminded fans. With the surgery behind her, Dolores is hopeful for what's next. That includes a rumored potential appearance on The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. As for whether The Real Housewives of New Jersey will ever return? Unfortunately, it seems to still be up in the air. The Real Housewives of New Jersey streams on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland. The Real Housewives of Rhode Island will likely premiere later this year. TELL US – WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON DOLORES' EXPERIENCE WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND CARDIAC ABLATION SURGERY? The post Dolores Catania Gives Health Update After Heart Surgery appeared first on Reality Tea. Solve the daily Crossword
