Don’t let animals suffer as rescue centres hit capacity, says Scottish SPCA
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The Scottish SPCA is appealing to animal lovers across the country for support as its centres hit capacity.
This new campaign is a result of the welfare issues that have arisen from the pandemic and asks that you don’t let animals suffer.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity has seen an increase in the number of calls to its helpline around unwanted animals.
The rise in demand for puppies has led to an increase in the number of raids and seizures of pups from low-welfare puppy farms and dealers.
This has resulted in a surge in the number of animals in Scottish SPCA animal rescue and rehoming centres and increased pressure on vital services.
In 2020, the Society continued to be there for animals and people despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Over 136,000 calls were made to the charity’s animal helpline and its frontline team attended an average of 214 incidents each day, which totalled almost 78,000 over the year.
3,369 animals were rehomed and over 7,000 wild animals were admitted to the National Wildlife Rescue Centre.
The charity cared for over 1,300 animals seeking temporary refuge which includes those involved in legal proceedings.
317 animals caught up in court cases were cared for over the pandemic.
The Scottish SPCA is dedicated to preventing animals from suffering.
Mouse, Maisie and Honey the Shetland ponies were signed over to the Scottish SPCA in March 2020 after their previous owner could no longer care for them.
The Shetland trio’s feet were overgrown and they had laminitis which required specialist care and treatment.
Chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “In many cases, neglect is not deliberate.
"Even people who love their animals can find themselves in a position where they are unable to continue to provide them with the care they need.
“This could be a change in personal circumstance or an accident.
"The decision can be heartbreaking but ultimately it is the right one for the welfare of that animal.
"It is admirable to put an animal’s needs first.”
Sharing their experience, Eileen Silver and her family were looking for a companion for Malcolm, a pony who was soon to be arriving in their care.
She said “We contacted the Scottish SPCA and they told us about the three Shetlands.
“We knew we couldn’t separate them so we took them all!
“They all settled in straight away.
"We kept Malcolm apart from them at first but when they were introduced, they were all happy in each other’s company.
“Their personalities have shone through.
"Maisie is older and set in her ways, Mouse was a bit timid when she first arrived but she’ll now approach us in the hope of getting a treat.
"Honey is just a sweetheart.
"Our grandson has a tiny saddle for her, he doesn’t ride her but he loves sitting on her which she is fine with.
“They even have their own little stables with their names on the doors.
“They arrived with us very well handled, we believe this is down to the hard work before they came to us.
“It’s been a very straight forward process.
"Mouse, Maisie and Honey just needed the right care and environment and we are so happy to be able to provide that for them.”
Unfortunately, animals continue to suffer due to deliberate or misguided neglect.
Continuing Mike said: “Our centres have hit capacity and we desperately need the support of the animal loving Scottish public so that they don’t let animals suffer.
“We will continue to be here for every person and animal, like Mouse, Maisie and Honey, that need us in all communities across Scotland.
“Every single person who signs up to support us with a monthly donation will be making an impact and will allow us to rescue animals like these Shetlands.”
The Scottish SPCA receives no government funding and is entirely reliant on donations from the public.
To find out more about the #DontLetAnimalsSuffer campaign and becoming a member of the Scottish SPCA, visit www.scottishspca.org/puppy.
