Latest news with #german
Agriland
6 days ago
- Agriland
Court: Woman fined €15,000 and banned from owning animals for life
A circuit court judge has banned a woman from owning animals for life and ordered her to pay €15,000 in costs as a result of 'one of the most appalling cases brought before him'. Karen Sanderson (68) with an address in England, and formerly of The Stables, Templelusk, Avoca, Co. Wicklow, was given a four-and-a-half year suspended prison sentence, banned from owning animals for life, and ordered to pay €15,000 in costs at Bray Circuit Court yesterday (Thursday May, 29). Sanderson had previously pleaded guilty to ten charges, under sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (AHWA). It marked the final chapter in the case which originated from a complaint to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) helpline in 2016. Court As a result of the call a total of 43 animals were removed from Karen Sanderson's rented property on November 18, 2016. ISPCA chief inspector, Conor Dowling, told Bray Circuit Court that when he called to the property Sanderson had rented near Avoca he saw five underweight horses in a dirty yard and mucky arena. In stables off the same yard, he also found a wild boar in a 'filthy stable and a pig that was unable to stand in another'. The court was told that neither of the animals had access to water or a clean lying area. In three other stables twelve dogs were discovered living in squalid conditions, with no bedding or water. Inspector Dowling also told the court that there was a 'horrendous smell' from the stables and how he saw ripped up remains of dog food bags scattered around. He also detailed that a german shepherd housed in a group of five dogs was only days away from whelping and that she later produced nine puppies, some of which were deformed and none of which survived. The inspector outlined how another dog was an aged Mastiff with chronic osteoarthritis and an old injury, rendering one of his legs useless. Euthanised Bray Circuit Court was told that this dog was euthanised approximately a week later, on veterinary advice. ISPCA chief inspector also described to the court that when he visited Karen Sanderson's rented property on November 18, 2016 he had proceeded up a metal stair to the door of a loft dwelling. He said that the stair and the roof of the building were covered in dog faeces and that he formed the opinion that excrement was being thrown out of Velux windows in the roof. When he knocked on the door of the dwelling, he heard more barking and shouting noises from inside, and decided to request assistance garda assistance. The court was told that gardaí arrived at the scene and made contact with the accused, Karen Sanderson. The ISPCA chief inspector then described how, when the door of the dwelling was opened, dogs came 'spilling' down the stairs. A further 31 dogs, including some giant breeds, were found living in on the property in what the Inspector described a, 'a stressful and chaotic environment'. Inspector Dowling said that there was faecal matter on every surface in the dwelling, and the stench of ammonia was so strong that according to the ISPCA it hurt his eyes and made it difficult for him to breathe. He described how there was a pool of urine in the hallway and a video was played for the court in which the accused tried to claim that the dogs had just urinated when the investigators had called at the door. The court was also shown photographs of a selection of animals including a Cocker Spaniel that could not use its hind legs and was dragging itself through the soiled environment, and a Mastiff which had an injury to its toe so severe that some of the bone was protruding, and the dog was gnawing at the exposed bone. The Mastiff required surgery to amputate its toe. It was agreed that most of the animals needed to be removed from the premises immediately, and chief inspector Dowling enlisted the help of Wicklow SPCA, Wicklow Dog Pound, the Irish Horse Welfare and Trust and Dogs Trust, in removing the animals. A veterinary practitioner attended the scene and recommended that a pig that could not stand, be euthanised to prevent further suffering. The court was also told that subsequent veterinary examinations of the animals removed from the premises revealed a catalogue of health issues including injuries, flea infestation, ear mites, worms, skin irritation, matted and soiled coats, ear infections, chronic arthritis, cherry eye, mud fever and rain scald. Inspector Dowling said that, while the pig and the two geriatric Mastiffs were euthanised, the majority of the animals had made full recoveries. On sentencing, Judge Patrick Quinn described the case as, 'one of the most appalling cases brought before him', and said that all the offending was at the upper end in terms of gravity. He also questioned how it got this far, and how no one could notice what was going on, not just for the animals but for the defendant too. Judge Quinn said that the accumulation of more and more animals in the space of three or four years would have contributed to the defendant being overwhelmed to the point that she could not cope and became a welfare concern for the animals as well as a mental health issue for herself. Judge Quinn handed down a suspended sentence of four and a half years for each count, to run concurrently, and banned the woman from owning animals for life; she was also ordered to pay €15,000 in costs, to be paid within twelve months as a condition of the bond. ISPCA Commenting on the outcome of the case, Conor Dowling, ISPCA chief inspector said he was relieved that it had reached a successful conclusion with the animal owner held accountable before the courts. 'We are always mindful of working with vulnerable people, but our priority is for the welfare of the animals involved. 'This situation should never have been allowed to develop as it did, where animals were left to suffer. 'Anyone who chooses to keep animals has both a legal and moral responsibility to adequately care for them, and if you are unable to do so, you should seek help,' he added. The ISPCA wants anyone who has suspicions of animal cruelty, neglect or abuse to report this on its confidential National Animal Cruelty Helpline by calling 0818 515 515, emailing helpline@ or via its website.
Hospitality Net
27-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Wifirst and Louvre Hotels group expand strategic partnership across Europe
Building on the success of their collaboration in the United Kingdom and France, Louvre Hotels Group is strengthening its strategic alliance with Wifirst, reaffirming its commitment to digital innovation across its hospitality portfolio. This next phase of the partnership extends to 14 additional hotels across Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany. This new milestone demonstrates the trust we've built with Louvre Hotels Group over the years. We're proud to support their ambitions with best-in-class connectivity solutions. Our mission is to ensure guests enjoy a seamless and secure digital experience — wherever they are in Europe. Vince Jouan, VP EMEA at Wifirst The newly signed hotels will benefit from Wifirst's WiFi as a Service model, delivering cutting-edge infrastructure, built to guarantee fast, reliable, and secure connectivity. With digital demands rising, this level of service has become a cornerstone of both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Wifirst has consistently demonstrated technological excellence and operational reliability. They are more than a provider — they are a strategic partner who understands our vision. Expanding our collaboration into new markets was the natural next step to ensure our infrastructure remains robust, future-proof, and scalable. Philippe Cadon, Operation Support Director at Louvre Hotels Group This international expansion confirms Wifirst's position as a key partner of Louvre Hotels Group in delivering consistent guest experiences across borders. For more information, visit or follow us on linkedin. About Wifirst Wifirst is the European leader in managed WiFi for professionals. The operator deploys and operates high-performance, secure and sustainable "as a service" connectivity solutions. Its know-how and technologies appeal to IT decision-makers from the largest companies and public organizations (AccorHotels, Havas, The French Ministry of the Army, Norauto, The Ascott, etc.) In 2023, Wifirst joins the Next40: a program from the Ministry of Economy which identifies the most promising companies of the french tech ecosystem. Wifirst covers 29 countries and is present in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Germany where he has acquired the german operator Hotsplots, specialiser in on-board WiFi solutions. For more information: Sarah Battoue
Campaign ME
23-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Mbappé kicks off Tradeling and Loewe speaker regional campaign
Tradeling has partnered with german electronics brand Loewe Technology to launch the pro speaker in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The campaign introduces the brand's premium audio offering to regional consumers as part of Loewe Technology's strategic expansion into the Middle East, with Tradeling acting as its exclusive distributor in MENA. At the centre of the campaign is international footballer Kylian Mbappé, the ambassador for the pro speaker. His involvement brings global recognition and aspirational appeal, helping the product resonate with both tech-savvy and lifestyle-driven consumers in a market where football remains a major passion point. 'We are very proud to team up with Loewe Technology for this launch,' said Safvan Tharayil, Director of Marketing at Tradeling. 'The pro speakers exemplify innovation and quality, and our partnership signifies a shared commitment to bringing the best products to our customers.' Loewe x KM: A full-funnel, high-visibility launch Running from 15 May to 15 August 2025, the campaign takes a 360-degree approach to marketing, with visibility across high-impact OOH placements, digital media, radio, in-store activations and influencer marketing. In the UAE, billboards and unipoles line Sheikh Zayed Road and Hessa Street, supported by radio spots on Virgin Radio and Al Arabiya to maximise reach during commute hours. 'You'll be seeing our campaign everywhere,' Tharayil added. 'We have prominent billboards and unipoles up on Sheikh Zayed Road and Hessa Street, radio campaigns on Virgin Radio and Al Arabiya, and extensive digital and influencer campaigns running for the next three months.' Online, the brand is engaging audiences with paid ads, in-app and email promotions, and curated influencer partnerships designed to boost awareness and drive product consideration. In-store activation supports this with branded point-of-sale displays, leaflets, product standees and dedicated promoters stationed at leading retail outlets. All creative development and production was handled internally by Tradeling, with EDS overseeing OOH placement across the campaign markets. Driving desirability through celebrity relevance Leveraging Mbappé's global appeal is a central part of Tradeling's brand strategy for the launch. His association lends cultural relevance and aspirational value to the campaign, helping Loewe position the pro speaker not just as a product, but as part of a larger lifestyle. This blend of premium positioning and celebrity storytelling is designed to create brand affinity and trigger interest that translates into conversion. To further incentivise purchases, Tradeling has introduced a regional promotion tied to the campaign. Consumers who buy the speaker between 15 May and 15 August 2025 stand a chance to win a meet-and-greet experience with Mbappé in Madrid, along with a ticket to a Real Madrid match – an offer that deepens the campaign's emotional and experiential appeal. Setting the stage for long-term brand growth Beyond immediate sales, the campaign is also built to deliver across the marketing funnel. Tradeling is tracking a mix of KPIs – ranging from product sales to search interest, website traffic, and social engagement – to measure campaign impact and optimise future brand activity in the region. While the pro speaker serves as the campaign's focal point, the launch also marks a strategic milestone for Loewe Technology's expansion into MENA. By creating early brand traction and consumer engagement, the campaign sets a strong foundation for future product rollouts across the region.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Plug-In Hybrid With the Longest All-Electric Range You Can Buy
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer a unique and enticing middle ground between gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles. They offer tons of efficiency and the ability to run on electric power alone for short distances. Some models on the market offer a range that surpasses expectations, though. With advancements in battery technology, some automakers are pushing the boundaries of what a PHEV is capable of. Longer electric-only ranges mean more savings for you and fewer stops at the gas station. Whether you're on your daily commute or you are road-tripping with the family, a high-range PHEV is super convenient. Exploring the best and most impressive plug-in hybrids on the market, we've found the model that delivers the longest electric range on a single charge. We break down its range, performance, charging speeds, and cost to see why it stands out in a sea of really impressive rivals. In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and TopSpeed. Mercedes-Benz has been a leading force in the world of electric power in the automotive world. They offer EVs with exceptional ranges, which is why it makes sense that their plug-in hybrid models would follow suit. In their plug-in hybrid lineup, it's the new 2025 GLC 350e SUV that offers the most range on a single charge, allowing you to do most of your close-range commuting on electric-only power. Every 2025 GLC 350e comes fitted with a 24.8-kWh battery pack, which offers up to 54 miles on a single charge, according to the EPA. This means that it can travel farther than any other plug-in hybrid on electric-only power. The battery can be charged at 60 kW max using a DC fast charger, with Mercedes claiming that you can charge it fully in as little as 30 minutes. The system is decently efficient, with the EPA claiming that the hybrid GLC gets 60 MPGe in the city and 70 MPGe on the highway, achieving 64 MPGe combined. The german brand has a number of plug-in hybrids, all with ranges that put them among the best on the market. If you're looking for a slightly bigger, more luxurious SUV, then the brand offers the GLE 450e. This model can handle traveling on electric power alone for up to 50 miles. Not everyone is all in on the SUV trend, and if you'd prefer a more traditional sedan, then Mercedes offers the S 580e. It offers all the same interior comfort and luxury of the regular gas-powered S-Class, with a more efficient plug-in hybrid setup allowing it to drive on its battery for up to 47 miles. The benefits of driving a plug-in hybrid over a gas-powered car are obvious. You save yourself tons of money by being able to drive off of electric-only power and get some added efficiency. However, because you're adding a fairly large and heavy battery to the mix, this sometimes comes at the cost of performance. Such is the case with the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The plug-in hybrid GLC 350e makes use of a pretty strong turbocharged four banger, which pairs with a single electric motor to provide some decent pep. It isn't slow by any means, but it takes around 0.3 seconds longer to go from zero to 60 miles per hour than its gas-only sibling. This is in no small part thanks to the added weight of the 24.8 kWh battery pack. The only other difference between the plug-in hybrid GLC and the gas-only versions is that the 350e gets a regenerative braking system to help squeeze out some additional range. If you're swapping over from a gas-only car, the spongy feel of the brake pedal may take some getting used to. The GLC 350e can also sometimes take a moment to decide how to distribute the power from the gas engine and the electric motor, making it feel a little less responsive than you may be hoping for. The ride is a little more comfortable, though, as the hybrid model comes standard with rear air springs as standard. When the battery is depleted, and you're running on gas power alone, the GLC sits in the middle of the pack when it comes to efficiency. It manages 25 miles per gallon combined, which puts it on par with a lot of its rivals in its segment. This is slightly less efficient than the non-hybrid models, which manage 26 miles per gallon combined. The turbocharged engine performs much better on the highway than it does in the city, which suits its nature as a plug-in hybrid. When traveling shorter distances at low speeds, you can make use of the electric motor and battery pack, transitioning to gas power when you find yourself on the highway where the engine is most efficient. In total, the GLC 350e has a combined total range of around 380 miles. There is a lot of value to be found in the 2025 GLC 350e. However, it isn't a car that budget-minded individuals are going to rush out to buy. The three-pointed star on the hood may have given it away, but this german SUV comes with a premium price tag. It does come fitted with plenty of equipment to justify its steep price tag, though, and may be a great option for premium buyers. If you include processing and delivery fees, a GLC 350e starts just north of the $60,000 mark, which is not chump change. Luckily, it comes in a pretty comprehensive package, loaded with plenty of desirable luxuries. As is the case with most Mercedes vehicles, the trims are seen more as packages than individual models, and in this case they don't cost all that much more over the base model. If you're considering a compact luxury hybrid SUV, then the GLC 350e is technically the most expensive. However, it is also the most luxurious. It goes up against the Volvo XC60 hybrid, the Lexus RX Hybrid, and the Lincoln Corsair Hybrid. While all of these alternatives come from plush brands, they don't quite carry the same level of prestige that Mercedes does. We consider the Exclusive trim to offer the best bang-for-your-buck. It costs an additional $2,200 over the base model, but you get plenty of additional features that help the SUV live up to its potential. You get built-in navigation, a 360-degree surround camera, and upgraded interior ambient lighting. You also get access to the upgraded 3D Burmester sound system and other high-end features like car-to-X communication. While the plug-in hybrid from Merc' claims the top spot for all-electric range, there are two options from Land Rover that come awfully close. While the Mercedes SUV is great, having options is even better. Land Rover continues to deliver plush SUVs that can easily contest its german rivals and their plug-in hybrid range has made them more versatile than ever. There are two options in Land Rover's lineup that offer 53 miles of all-electric range, falling short of the GLC 350e's estimate by a single mile. Both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport can be had with a plug-in hybrid setup. The Range Rover is the model that is more focused on luxury, interior space, and pampering passengers. The Range Rover Sport leans more in the direction of performance and capability. Both models come equipped with a 31.8-kWh battery pack, which the EPA estimates can take you up to 53 miles on a single charge. Land Rover claims the maximum rate of charge is 50 kW, meaning that you can charge it to 80 percent from empty in under an hour. When on gas-only power, however, both models burn a little more fuel than the Mercedes, with both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport achieving 21 miles per gallon combined.
