Sue Gray takes helm of USPCA as animal rescue demand soars

USPCA CEO Heather Weir and Baroness Sue Gray

The USPCA has appointed Baroness Sue Gray as its new chair at a time when the Northern Ireland animal welfare charity says demand for its services has surged to unprecedented levels.

The former senior civil servant and current member of the House of Lords takes over leadership of the organisation following a year in which the charity responded to more than 2,300 wildlife rescues and handled almost 69,000 calls from the public.

Her appointment comes as animal welfare charities across Northern Ireland continue to face growing pressure linked to rising veterinary costs, increased demand for rescue services and the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis on pet owners.

Leadership change comes after eight years under outgoing chair

Baroness Gray succeeds Dr John Farrell, who has chaired the USPCA for the past eight years.

USPCA Chief Executive Heather Weir said the organisation was entering a new chapter as it welcomed both its new chair and several additional board members.

She said:

“I welcome the appointment of Sue as our new Chair and know she will bring a wealth of experience and insight as we grow the charity into the future. I want to pay tribute to outgoing chair Dr John Farrell who was chair of the USPCA for the last eight years. His leadership and dedication are boundless, and his commitment and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the organisation to where we are today.

“I also want to welcome new board members Paul, Bernard and Lyle who will add even further rich expertise, leadership and experience to the work of the USPCA.”

Baroness Gray described the appointment as an honour and highlighted the organisation’s role in communities across Northern Ireland.

She said:

“I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of the USPCA. The organisation plays a vital role in protecting animals and supporting communities across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with USPCA colleagues, volunteers and partners to build on its strong foundations and drive forward our mission to prevent cruelty and relieve suffering.”

Wildlife rescues rise sharply across Northern Ireland

The leadership announcement comes alongside new figures illustrating the scale of the charity’s work during 2025-26.

The USPCA said it responded to 2,354 wildlife rescues over the year — a 42.3% increase on the previous 12 months.

The charity also rehomed 384 companion animals while expanding support services for struggling households across Northern Ireland.

Among the organisation’s latest annual figures were:

• 68,658 calls handled from concerned members of the public and general queries

• 10,531 veterinary consults and surgeries — a 34% rise on the previous year

• 6,773 pet food parcels distributed through 51 food banks to help families keep their pets during the cost-of-living crisis

• 740 veterinary vouchers issued for injured wildlife treatment

• 237 animals fostered by volunteers — an increase of 295% year-on-year

The figures underline the growing pressures facing rescue organisations and veterinary services as more households struggle with rising costs.

New board members bring finance, veterinary and global business expertise

Alongside Baroness Gray’s appointment, the USPCA has also confirmed three new board members.

Paul Crawford joins the charity bringing extensive veterinary and agricultural experience. A qualified veterinarian, researcher and sheep farmer, he previously served as President of the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland.

Bernard Grimley, who joined the board in April 2026, brings almost 30 years of banking and financial services experience, having held senior management positions within Bank of Ireland across Northern Ireland.

Lyle Watters joins with nearly four decades of international business leadership experience at Ford Motor Company, including senior executive positions overseeing operations in China and South America.

Sue Gray’s career spans Northern Ireland and Westminster

Baroness Gray is one of the most recognisable figures in UK public service after a career spanning more than 40 years in government.

Her roles have included Permanent Secretary in Northern Ireland’s Department of Finance, senior positions within the Cabinet Office and the Department for Levelling Up, and later Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in both Opposition and Government.

She was appointed to the House of Lords in 2025 as Baroness Gray of Tottenham and is also a member of the Queen’s University Senate.

The USPCA said her appointment comes as the charity looks to build on its existing work supporting both animals and vulnerable households across Northern Ireland.

Outgoing chair Dr John Farrell said he believed the organisation was entering a strong new phase under its incoming leadership.

He said:

“It has been an immense privilege to serve as Chair of the USPCA over the past eight years. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together in advancing animal welfare across Northern Ireland. I am delighted to welcome Sue Gray as my successor: her experience, integrity and passion will be invaluable as the charity enters its next chapter and I look forward to supporting the USPCA’s work in the years ahead.”

The organisation continues to provide rescue, veterinary and welfare support services daily across Northern Ireland as demand for animal welfare assistance continues to rise.