The Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre had 212 animals in their care this Christmas Day. It was business as usual for the dedicated staff at the charity’s centre in Balerno, which is open to the public all year round.
Manager Diane Stewart said, “It’s a heartbreaking reality that there are
lots of pets without loving homes to call their own this Christmas time.
“However, thanks to our dedicated staff, no animal in our care spent
Christmas Day alone and we even made sure they all got a little treat
from Santa.
“The animals here are relying on us as they don’t have anywhere else to
go, so it’s simply not an option for us to close over the holidays. We’ll be here for them throughout Christmas and New Year, ensuring they’re fed, watered and exercised every day as usual.
“There’s also the task of washing down the kennels, cleaning out the catteries and other enclosures and making sure animals receive any necessary vet treatment.
“Our inspectors and animal rescue officers will continue to rescue abused, abandoned, injured and neglected animals throughout the festive period so we also need to be on-hand to take in any new arrivals and offer them a place of safety.
“We aren’t rehoming young animals such as puppies and kittens between 19
December and 3 January to prevent them being taken on by someone who
just wants a new pet for Christmas, but those genuinely wishing to offer
a young animal a permanent home can come along to meet them and they can
be reserved.
“There are also lots of other pets in our care who are ready and waiting to find their forever homes right now.
“People are always welcome to pop in to our centres, whether it’s to meet an animal they’re interested in rehoming, donate food or toys for our homeless pets, or simply just to say hello.”
The Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre is open from 10am-4pm seven days a week.
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