From toys to treats, the Scottish SPCA is appealing for donations for the animals in its care in Edinburgh and the Lothians over the festive period.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity has issued a Christmas list for dogs, cats, reptiles, horses and small animals such as rabbits and ferrets for its animal rescue and rehoming centre in Balerno.
Diane Aitchison, manager of the centre, said: “We know Christmas is the time for giving and we are always grateful for the overwhelming generosity of the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians at this time of year.
“The festive period tends to be our busiest in terms of the amount of donations we receive and the best way the public can support us with these is through providing the items our centre and animals most urgently need.”
For dogs, the charity has asked for:
– Chappie Complete or Dr. John’s Gold Complete dog food
– Schmackos and meaty strip dog treats which help to train pooches
– Rope and tug toys
– Leather footballs
– Blankets
For cats, they most urgently require:
– Burgess salmon Complete food for both adult cats and kittens
– Sachets and tins of meat in jelly for both adult cats and kittens
– Wood based cat litter
For small animals such as rabbits, the charity would welcome any donations of:
– Chew toys
– Plastic tunnels and ferret tunnels
– Hay
– Log or wooden rabbit hides
– Burgess Complete food for rabbits and guinea pigs
– James Wellbeloved Complete food for ferrets
The horses in the Scottish SPCA’s care would benefit most from:
– Large tub trugs for water and small ones for feed
– Haynets
– Water buckets
– Yard brushes, shaving forks and wheel barrows
– Treat and jolly balls
The Scottish SPCA is also asking members of the public to avoid donating poor quality toys if possible.
Diane added: “We make sure all toys, treats and other items are safe for the animals in our care to eat or use. Unfortunately, there are many poor quality products out there which are unsafe. For example, cheaply made tennis balls can burst easily and are a choking hazard.”