MSP praises Scottish SSPCA on great work during lockdown
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North east animal welfare inspectors have attended more than 3,000 reports of concern this year so far, according to new statistics.
The Scottish SPCA in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire attended 3,277 incidents stemming from almost 120,000 calls to the charity, with 153 animals rehomed in the first half of the year.
North East Region MSP Liam Kerr has highlighted the charity's work, and warned of a surge in “lockdown puppies” creating a market for low welfare breeders and dealers.
According to research by the Kennel Club, the coronavirus crisis has led to a surge in puppy ownership across the UK, but one in four new owners admitted new pets could have inadvertently come from a puppy farm.
The Scottish Conservatives made key amendments to the Animal Welfare (Scotland) Bill which increased penalties for animal and wildlife crime, introduced new fixed-penalty notices, and gave more powers to authorities when neglected animals are taken in.
The Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary also worked to enshrine Finn’s Law in Scottish legislation, which makes it a crime to attack or kill a service animal and makes it easier to prosecute.
He said: “The SSPCA have been working as normal through lockdown in some very difficult conditions.
“There is now evidence that a large number of new pets have been purchased to help people with the isolating effects of shielding.
“But we are also aware some people will find themselves suddenly worse off, out of work or otherwise unable to look after their animals.
“The SSPCA investigators have a very hard job protecting the welfare of the animals who fall through the cracks.”
Visit scottishspca.org to find out more about the charity’s work or call 03000 999 999.
