Scottish SPCA launch appeal as centres hit capacity

The Scottish SPCA is appealing to animal lovers across the country for support as its centres hit capacity.
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This campaign is a result of the charity seeing an increase in the number of calls last year to its helpline around unwanted animals.

The rise in demand for puppies during lockdown has led to an increase in the number of raids and seizures of pups from low-welfare puppy farms and dealers.

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This has resulted in a surge in the number of animals in Scottish SPCA animal rescue and rehoming centres and has increased pressure on vital services.

Bailey was in the care of the Scottish SPCA for two years.Bailey was in the care of the Scottish SPCA for two years.
Bailey was in the care of the Scottish SPCA for two years.

Last year 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 in 2020.

The charity cared for over 1,300 animals seeking temporary refuge which includes those involved in legal proceedings, currently animals involved in court proceedings cannot be rehomed unless a civil order is obtained or the animal is signed over.

One of these animals was Weimaraner, Bailey, who spent almost two years in the care of one of the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centres.

Bailey and friends after he was rehomed.Bailey and friends after he was rehomed.
Bailey and friends after he was rehomed.
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Bailey was part of a neglect case and was seized from his former owner, he was found in an emaciated condition and was almost 5kg underweight.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We are dedicated to providing every animal with the best possible care, especially those like Bailey who have been neglected and are in our care for many months due to ongoing court cases.

“We have long campaigned for a change to law around rehoming animals involved in cases sooner and we are pleased this will come into place later this year.”

Bailey has now been rehomed but unfortunately, many animals like him are still in situations where they are neglected or abused.

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Mr Flynn continued: “Our centres have hit capacity and we desperately need the support of the animal loving Scottish public.

“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 Bailey.”

To find out more about the #DontLetAnimalsSuffer campaign and becoming a member of the Scottish SPCA, visit here.

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