Volunteer and help Scotland’s animals

‘We need the support of the public more than ever’ – Diane Aitchison, SSPCA

The Scottish SPCA is appealing to kind hearted people in Edinburgh and the Lothians to help raise funds for abused, abandoned and injured animals by volunteering.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity is urging locals to get involved this Scottish Animal Week, which runs from 31 August to 5 September, by shaking a collection tin in their area.

Diane Aitchison, manager of the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centre in Balerno, said, “Last year our centre took in over 1,000 animals and we need the support of the public more than ever.

“As an animal welfare charity, we receive no government or lottery funding and rely on the generosity of animal lovers to continue our vital work.

“During Scottish Animal Week we have opportunities to fundraise throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians and we’d be really grateful if locals can get behind our appeal and help.

“Door-to-door fundraising can be carried out between Monday and Friday, while people can hold street collections on the Saturday.

“We encourage people to have a bit of fun and some of our past
volunteers have dressed up in costumes or taken a canine friend along with them.

“Even if someone can only spare an hour or two to shake a collection tin, their time and efforts would be hugely appreciated.”

If you’d like to help fundraise for the Scottish SPCA contact the fundraising team on 03000 999 999 or email fundraising@scottishspca.org

Cats abandoned in Muirhouse stairwell

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after two cats were abandoned in a stairwell at a block of flats in Muirhouse.

The cats were rescued yesterday after they were discovered on the 11th floor of Fidra Court. The male and female cats are now in the care of SSPCA’s Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Senior Inspector Stuart Murray said, “Sadly it seems the cats were abandoned as we’ve not been able to identify anyone in the stairwell they might belong to. The male cat is in okay condition but the female has a very nasty wound on her neck where a makeshift collar has been rubbing against her skin. They are exceptionally friendly cats and the vet has estimated them to be around six years old.

“If anyone has any information we would ask them to get in touch. We’ll soon find these lovely cats a suitable new home.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Horrific attack on family pets in Drylaw

Police seek information following sickening attack on chickens

Intruders have killed a family pet, seriously injured another and traumatised a third during a break-in in Drylaw earlier this week. A young family has been left ‘shocked and very distressed’ after the malicious attack on their pet chickens in Wester Drylaw Place.

The incident occurred overnight on Wednesday/Thursday when intruders first tried to break into a garden shed. They were unsuccessful but then turned their attentions to the family’s chicken coop, which they opened and killed one of the chickens.

A second chicken was also badly injured in the attack and a third was later found – fortunately unharmed – in a neighbour’s garden.

Police Scotland is conducting a joint investigation with the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA), who plan to carry out a post mortem.

Police Sergeant Stuart Mitchell said: “This was a horrifying crime, which has left the family, and their children, in a state of shock. We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen people loitering in the Wester Drylaw area last night to contact us. This type of incident is completely unacceptable and we are conducting active enquiries in the area.”

Scottish SPCA Inspector June Chalcroft said: “This appears to have been a malicious attack, resulting in the death of one of the chickens and the injury of another. Hopefully the results of the post-mortem will explain the cause of death.

“Thankfully a third chicken, which was missing, has been found safe and well. We believe someone may have heard something as the chickens would have made a lot of noise during the incident.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Police Scotland immediately on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The public can also contact SSPCA on 03000 999 999.

Pet passport changes introduced today

Taking your pet out of the country? Changes to the pet travel scheme are being introduced today by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Read guidance: pet travel: changes to the EU scheme

The pet travel scheme allows people to take their dog, cat or ferret in and out of the UK without quarantine, as long as they meet the rules of the scheme.

The changes are in line with new European regulations and are designed to improve the security of the scheme and traceability of the pet passport, whilst also clamping down on abuse of the system.

The changes include:

a new minimum age of 12 weeks before a pet can be vaccinated against rabies
new pet passports will include laminated strips and a requirement for more contact details to be provided by the vet issuing the document and certifying the veterinary treatments
a new requirement for all member states in the EU to carry out checks on their borders (the UK already checks all pets coming into the country through approved routes)
a tighter definition of non-commercial movement which will mean owners who cannot travel with a pet when they enter the EU, must do so within 5 days; owners can still authorise another person to travel with their pet, but again the pet and authorised person must travel within 5 days of each other

All pets are still required to have a microchip which confirms the animal’s identity.

Existing passports will remain valid for the lifetime of the pet or until all treatment spaces have been filled on the document.

All pet passports issued by vets from 29 December 2014 will be in the new format.

More information on travelling with your pet

Keep animals safe this winter

The Scottish SPCA is urging people to help animals stay safe this winter

Scotland’s animal welfare charity has issued advice to pet owners, farmers and wildlife enthusiasts as the temperature falls.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Freezing weather can be very dangerous for domestic pets, equines, farm animals and wildlife.

“Dog owners should keep their pets on the lead near frozen waterways and people must never go after their dog if it walks out onto the ice. Each year we hear of incidents where people have tried to rescue their pet from a frozen river or lake, often with tragic consequences, and we want both animals and their owners stay safe.

“We would always recommend owners wash their dogs’ feet after they have been walking on gritted roads as salt can be an irritant to the paws and can upset the digestive system if ingested.

“Those with cats should make adequate provisions for them by ensuring they have access to somewhere warm when the temperature drops and all pets kept outdoors will need extra food, bedding and access to unfrozen drinking water. In the worst winter weather, owners of rabbits, guinea pigs and other animals kept in outdoor hutches should move them inside where possible.

“Antifreeze is one of the most common causes of cat poisoning, particularly in the winter months, and can result in a horrific death. We would urge anyone servicing their car to take extra care and ensure any spillages are cleaned up and disposed of properly as it could save an animal’s life.

“Treacherous conditions makes it hard for farmers to monitor their livestock but, again, it is vital they have access to unfrozen drinking water and food.”

Anyone who finds an animal in distress over the winter period is being encouraged to contact the charity for help and advice.

Chief Supt Flynn added, “Last year we dealt with a large number of wildlife casualties such as underweight hedgehogs found struggling to survive and orphaned or injured seal pups.

“Wildlife lovers can feed birds to help them through the winter as their natural food sources will be scarce at this time of year.

“Anyone who spots a distressed animal should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Don't buy a pet this Christmas

‘A pet is a lifelong commitment’ – Scottish SPCA

The Scottish SPCA is advising people not to buy pets as Christmas presents for fear of a surge in abandonments. As Scotland’s animal welfare charity prepares for its busiest time of year, they hope many pets will be spared the heartbreak of being dumped like unwanted gifts.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “It’s an upsetting reality that in the weeks and months after Christmas our centres are often asked to take in puppies, kittens and other pets given as presents once the novelty has worn off.

“Or, even worse, some of these pets are abandoned and left to fend for themselves.
“Clearly in these instances the owners hadn’t realised that the young pet which was great fun at Christmas would need to be housetrained and properly socialised and that this would require effort on their part.

“Every year we stress that animals should never be bought on a whim or given as surprise presents, but some people clearly aren’t getting the message. In January this year we took in over 240 dogs, a 9% rise on the previous year and around 250 cats – over 30% more than in 2013.

“Although we can’t be certain, it’s possible many of these animals were bought as gifts and for that reason we are asking people to consider whether they have the time and financial resources to be able to properly care for an animal.”

In order to reduce the risks of people taking on pets to give away as presents, the Scottish SPCA will stop rehoming puppies, kittens and baby animals between 19 December and 3 January.

Chief Supt. Flynn added, “We have to ensure our rescue animals aren’t being taken on by someone who just wants a new pet for Christmas.

“However, our animal rescue and rehoming centres will be open to the public throughout the festive period, including Christmas Day, and young animals can be reserved during this time.

“Our message is simple, a pet is a lifelong commitment and not a present which can be given at Christmas and then forgotten about.”

Volunteer and help Scotland’s animals

Scottish Animal Week, 1 – 7 September

The Scottish SPCA is appealing to kind hearted people in Edinburgh and the Lothians to help raise funds for abused, abandoned and injured animals by volunteering.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity is urging locals to get involved this Scottish Animal Week, which runs from 1-7 September, by shaking a collection tin in their area.

Diane Stewart, manager of the charity’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre said, “Last year our centre cared for a staggering 1,365 animals and 2014 is proving to be even more challenging.

“As an animal welfare charity, we receive no government or lottery funding and rely on the generosity of the public to continue our vital work.

“During Scottish Animal Week we have opportunities to fundraise throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians and we’d be very grateful if locals can get behind our appeal and help.

“Door-to-door fundraising can be carried out between Monday and Friday,
while people can hold street collections on the Saturday. Even if someone can only spare an hour or two to shake a collection tin, their time and efforts would be hugely appreciated.

“It’s something we always say because it’s true: every pound and penny raised really does make a difference and gives animals in desperate need of our help a second chance in life.”

Anyone who would like to help fundraise for the Scottish SPCA can contact the fundraising team on 03000 999 999 or email fundraising@scottishspca.org

Ticket to Balerno!

Kitten discovered on bus

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a kitten was found on an Edinburgh bus earlier today.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted by Lothian Buses after the feline was spotted by a lady on the number 3 service.

The black and white kitten, estimated to be around seven weeks old, is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno. He has been nicknamed Ticket.

Animal Rescue Officer Connie O’Neill said, “A member of the public alerted the bus driver after she spotted Ticket wandering around the bus with no owner in sight.
“We think it’s very likely Ticket was abandoned but we also can’t rule out the possibility someone may have been transporting him and left him behind when they got off the bus.

“If anyone recognises this little guy or knows who he belongs to, we’d urge them to get in touch. Ticket is in good condition and is really friendly. If we’re not able to return him to his owner, we’ll find him a loving new home.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Paws for applause: PDSA awarded £500,000

Inverleith Park was alive with animal-loving celebs yesterday. Why? The local park is very popular with dog-walkers so it was the ideal place to announce some great news for our four-legged friends. Thousands of pets now face a brighter future as PDSA has just been awarded £500,000 from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

The cash boost will be used by the charity’s vets and nurses to extend vital treatment and education programmes across the UK.

Last year alone, over 470,000 pet owners turned to PDSA for help to care for their pets – a figure that has risen by more than 50% in recent years. Annually, it costs over £60 million to run PDSA’s charitable service – all of which is funded entirely by public support and reinforces the fact that the UK is a nation of animal lovers.

PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “We’re delighted to receive this support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery which will make a massive difference to pets’ lives.

“Through our network of 50 pet hospitals and our education work in schools and in communities we’re able to touch the lives of more pets than any other UK animal charity.

“Every single day our amazing team of vets and nurses work flat out to deliver not just life saving treatment but also vital advice and preventive care that gives all pets the chance of healthy, happy lives.”

The funding, made possible by players of People’s Postcode Lottery will be used by PDSA to help support thousands of pets nationwide through education, prevention and treatment.

The charity was joined at yesterday’s cheque presentation – which thankfully took place before the thunder and lightning! – by a number of animal-loving celebrities including members of Britain’s Olympic silver-medal winning Curling squad, skippered by David Murdoch, and People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador, singer Danyl Johnson, at Inverleith.

David Murdoch, Scottish curler and animal lover, said: “As the proud owner of a dog myself I know only too well the joy pets can bring to our lives. I think PDSA is an amazing charity and this funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery will safeguard the lives of thousands of adored pets.”

Singer Danyl Johnson, who owns a spaniel called Darcie, said he was delighted for PDSA. He said: “I have first-hand experience of PDSA’s lifesaving work having visited one of their hospitals last year. The vets and nurses really are unsung heroes, helping all those sick and injured pets that have nowhere else to turn. I’m thrilled that this money is going to such a worthy cause.”

Hazel Johnstone, Trusts Manager at People’s Postcode Lottery added: “People’s Postcode Lottery is a charity lottery raising funds for, and increasing awareness of, charities and good causes. Pets are a huge part of people’s lives and PDSA’s work is a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of pets and their owners in the city and communities nationwide.

“We are delighted that our players are able to provide this support to PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity, to help its vital work.”

Busiest ever year for Scottish SPCA

The Scottish SPCA has described 2013 as its “busiest ever year”, with a record number of calls to its animal helpline, pets rehomed and wildlife saved.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity also carried out more investigations than ever before, with an average of more than one person being banned from keeping animals every week.

Calls to the Scottish SPCA animal helpline leapt to 228,143 last year, 17% more than in 2012.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Many of the calls we receive are from people reporting suspected neglect and mistreatment, alerting us to animals in danger and either wanting to rehome an animal or asking us to take in their pets.

“In 2013 our investigations increased from 17,373 to 20,111, we found loving new homes for 6,563 pets and we were able to rehabilitate and release 2,939 wild animals. These were all records in what was our busiest ever year.

“With the demands we are facing increasing rapidly, we are continuing to invest significantly in our capacity to take in and help animals.

“Last year we announced the £4.8 million extension of our rehoming centre in Glasgow, known locally as the Glasgow Dog and Cat Home. This follows the opening of our National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Clackmannanshire and our rehoming centre in Aberdeenshire in previous years.”

Horrifying animal cruelty cases dealt with by the Scottish courts in 2013 included a Stirling puppy dealer who mistreated 57 dogs being jailed for eight months, a Larkhall man being banned from owning animals for six years for breaking his dog’s leg by throwing her down stairs and a Perthshire farmer receiving a lifetime ban for neglecting over a thousand sheep and cattle.

“We can’t be certain if cruelty is increasing as more people are aware of how we can help animals, which means we are possibly uncovering cases which may not have been reported in previous years,” said Chief Supt. Flynn.

“However, we know our inspectors were faced with a catalogue of neglect and abuse. While most of the cases we dealt with were caused by ignorance and a lack of understanding of what an animal needs, many involved wilful and mindless cruelty.

“Last year 58 people were banned from owning animals, which is a shameful average of more than one a week. We can be encouraged by the fact that so many people called our helpline because they care for animals. That’s a very positive sign and suggests overall we are still a nation of animal lovers.

“Investing in education is vital if we are to get our message through to sections of the Scottish public who don’t treat animals as they should. Our free Prevention through Education programme reached over 300,000 children in 2013, which is an essential and significant step in the right direction as this will have a profound difference for animal welfare in Scotland for generations to come.”

Anyone aware of an animal in danger or distress should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.