Blankets appeal for abandoned pets

THE Scottish SPCA is urging animal lovers in Ross-shire to donate blankets and toys to help hundreds of homeless animals stay warm and happy this winter.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity cared for 1,228 unwanted and abandoned cats and dogs in November alone last year and it expects this winter to be even busier.

Staff at the SSPCA’s Highlands and Islands Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Inverness are desperate to make sure all the pets in their care are kept cosy and content throughout the colder months.

Centre manager Elaine Floyd said: "It’s hard to believe, but for some pets it might be the first time they’ve ever been given a blanket to lie down on and many animals come into our care having never played with a toy before.

"Often these animals have been cruelly abandoned or neglected and it’s so rewarding to see how happy they become when they are given just a little bit of comfort and kindness.

"We get through a huge amount of blankets and toys in a relatively short space of time due to the high volume of animals coming into our care.

"Dogs in particular can find kennel life stressful, which often results in them ripping their bedding. This means we need to replace blankets frequently.

"We find that if they have a durable, rubber toy to play with it keeps them occupied, relieves stress and their blankets remain in tact.

"It would be fantastic if members of the public could hand in new or used blankets and toys that are clean and in good condition.

"There will be hundreds of neglected cats and dogs needing a bit of love this winter and it’s our job to give them all a safe, warm place to stay.

"We hope people will get behind our campaign and donate a blanket or a toy to a pet in need."

Blankets can be handed in to the Higlands and Islands Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at 5 The Holdings, Inshes, Inverness, between 10am and 4pm seven days a week.