Tag: cruelty

Return to Scottish homeland for giant ‘skeleton’ of a horse after charity saves his life

  • Known for their power and size, an emaciated Clydesdale horse has been rescued after being found starving to death
  • Rare Scottish breed normally associated with pulling heavy farm machinery was discovered so weak he can barely carry himself
  • World Horse Welfare’s northern England-based Field Officer shocked to see ‘giant skeleton’

A 15-year-old Clydesdale horse called Seamus has been rescued by World Horse Welfare after he was discovered slowly starving to death in a field with no grass. The gentle giant was so starved when he was found that it was touch-and-go as to whether he would survive.

Thanks to the intensive care he received at the charity’s Lancashire Rescue and Rehoming Centre, Seamus has made a full recovery and been successfully rehomed back to his native country of Scotland.

Seamus was rescued from the hillside field by World Horse Welfare Field Officer Seema Ritson: “When I saw Seamus I was shocked to see a giant skeleton, with bare patches of flesh where there should have been a thick, chestnut coat.

“I could see he’d had to crane his neck through the fence to reach any morsel of forage, but this was simply not enough to sustain him.”

Over the course of eight months Seamus slowly recovered at the charity’s Lancashire centre and his placid temperament, which persisted despite his previous neglect, meant that Seamus was quickly rehomed when ready.  

As the largest equine rehoming charity in the UK, World Horse Welfare rehabilitates the horses and ponies that come into its four rescue and rehoming centres with a view to finding them loving new homes.

Seamus’ rehomer Nikky had previous experience with thoroughbreds and highland ponies but Seamus was her first heavy breed: “Although we are experienced with horses, caring for a Clydesdale has been a learning curve as big as him!

“Transport was a bit tricky due to his size, but we found an experienced transporter of Clydesdales to bring him home to Scotland.

“We cannot thank World Horse Welfare enough for giving him a chance of life and entrusting us with his follow-on care.”

Now the face of the charity’s latest fundraising appeal, Seamus is just one of hundreds of horses rescued and rehomed by World Horse Welfare every year.

“Previous donations helped make this rescue possible – so thank you from the bottom of my heart.” says Seema. “It’s only thanks to donations from those that care about horses that we are able to do this, and we desperately need to be there for so many more horses like Seamus.

“Donations could help us rescue horses in need and provide them with round the clock care, rehabilitation and a brighter future. Any amount can be truly lifechanging.”

More information about the appeal and to donate click HERE

Charities welcome new hunting legislation but warn hunts will be under more scrutiny than ever before

Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 comes into force today

Leading animal welfare charities have welcomed the commencement of the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act but warn hunts will be scrutinised like never before. 

The legislation was voted through the Scottish Parliament in January this year and has come into force just ahead of what was traditionally the full hunting season, which gets underway at the start of November.  

The new Act brings into force a number of measures which significantly curtail mounted hunting activity, including reducing the number of dogs which can be used to search for, stalk or flush a wild mammal to just two, instead of a full pack, and reducing the number of dogs which can be used below ground to just one, as well as a preemptive ban on trail hunting.

The League Against Cruel Sports and OneKind say hunts will be monitored more closely than ever to ensure compliance with the law.

Director of the League Against Cruel Sports Robbie Marsland said: “Scotland now has the most robust law on hunting with dogs in the UK but this does not mean our job is done, far from it.

“We will be scrutinising the activity of hunts more closely than ever before to see who is complying with the law and who is looking for new loopholes to exploit. 

“Throughout the passing of the new legislation there has been a determined and persistent campaign from those desperate to keep the cruelty of hunting alive in our countryside, even now pro-hunters are trying to delay commencement of the law. But we are sending a stark warning to hunters that we will be monitoring every hunt in Scotland for as long as it takes until we are satisfied the law is being adhered to.” 

Since the law was passed in January at least one hunt – the Fife Hunt – has officially closed and is now registered as a drag hunt, and it is believed the Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Hunt has also ceased hunting. 

Bob Elliot, Director of OneKind added: “Today is a monumental day in Scotland.

“We are thankful to the Scottish Government for listening to the people of Scotland, who have been calling for a real fox hunting ban for more than 20 years, when it became clear that loopholes in the previous law had allowed fox hunting as ‘sport’ to continue.

“Ministers have been clear that chasing and killing wild mammals with packs of dogs has no place in a modern Scotland. So, we are sure that they, like us, will be watching closely to ensure that it never occurs again.  

“We believe that a complete shift in mindset in how we consider wild animals – as sentient beings rather than ‘pests’ or ‘targets’ – is desperately needed and that this should be reflected in the legislation.

“Today proves that we’re heading in the right direction.”

Vets respond to the BBC’s shocking Panorama investigation: Dogs, Dealers and Organised Crime

British Veterinary Association renews calls for greater enforcement of irresponsible dog breeding; a clamp down on unregulated canine fertility clinics; and a ban on imported dogs with cropped ears

New, hard-hitting BBC Panorama and Disclosure investigations have revealed the links between organised crime and the breeding of dogs with extreme features. In light of these investigations, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling for urgent action on better enforcement and regulation of dog breeding and selling.

The two documentaries, broadcast on Monday 23 January, show how the growing popularity of breeds like American and French bulldogs has led criminal gangs to resort to cruel and dangerous breeding practices.

The investigation also uncovers the impact of extreme breeding on the health and welfare of dogs, including links to the recent spike in unregulated canine fertility clinics and the trend for cropping dogs’ ears for fashion.

Responding to the investigation, British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Justine Shotton said: “It is horrific to see unscrupulous individuals breeding dogs to meet the demands of fashion without any consideration for the health or welfare of the animals. 

“Sadly, this BBC investigation doesn’t come as a surprise to vets and animal welfare organisations. BVA has long raised concerns about irresponsible breeding and its links to unregulated canine fertility clinics and illegal ear cropping.

“This investigation is a wake-up call to government to take urgent action to protect the welfare of these animals by introducing regulation for fertility clinics as well as banning the importation of dogs with cropped ears through the Kept Animals Bill. Such a ban would close the legal loophole that allows this trend to continue despite the procedure being illegal in the UK.

“The public also has an important role to play in stemming the tide of irresponsible breeding. Responsible pet ownership begins even before you get a puppy, so we’d encourage anyone looking to buy a dog to pick health over looks or the latest fashion and always speak to your vet for advice.

“Use the free Puppy Contact to help guide you on the questions you should be asking a breeder, to ensure you’re getting a healthy, happy puppy from a responsible source. We encourage people to report concerns around dogs with cropped ears and unregulated fertility clinics to their local government authority.”

BVA is calling on vets and members of the public to download its template letter and send it to their local MP, urging them to call on the Government to deliver its promised commitment to animal health and welfare by ensuring the continuation of the crucial and long-awaited Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill through Parliament. Download the template letter: https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/kept-animals-bill/

The Puppy Contract is available to view at: http://puppycontract.org.uk/ 

Tackling wildlife crime: Operation Wingspan enters final phase

Operation Wingspan, a year-long campaign to tackle wildlife crime, working with partners, including the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland, has seen considerable success and is now entering its final phase.

This involves officers working on the persecution of fresh water pearl mussels and tackling all aspects of poaching, including hare coursing. As with previous phases, it will involve a combination of enforcement action and education.

Overall, the campaign has involved officers engaging with a number of organisations, including the agricultural community, ranger services, land managers and game keepers with the aim of educating the wider public and encouraging them to report wildlife crime to the police.

Detective Sergeant Billy Telford, Police Scotland’s Wildlife Crime Co-ordinator, said: “We have many internationally renowned species that attract thousands of nature lovers and tourists every year to Scotland, but many crimes against wildlife are cruel and barbaric, often involving a painful death.

“From hunting deer, hares or badgers with dogs, to using poisons or snares on protected birds, and protecting one of our lesser known species, the critically endangers freshwater pearl mussel, Operation Wingspan is raising awareness and hopefully encouraging people to come forward and report this kind of crime.”

Operation Wingspan began in October 2020 and Phase One saw officers tackling the trade in endangered species and included visits to over 300 business premises, such as antique dealers, retro shops and pet shops across Scotland to advise owners and provide information about potential contraventions under The Control of Trade in Endangered Species (COTES) 2018 regulations.

It resulted in the seizure and recovery of alligator heads from across the country.

Phase Two tackled badger persecution, working with the charity Scottish Badgers, to highlight that badgers and their setts are protected, that it is an offence to harm or interfere with them and that badger baiting is illegal. Where ongoing risks were identified, action was taken to protect the sett and the badgers.

Phase Three saw officers taking part in a construction conference to outline the responsibilities of developers, highlighting that it is an offence to destroy or damage roosts, as well as engaging with bat groups and visiting vulnerable roosts, ultimately leading to people being charged for undertaking development that threatened the welfare of bats.

In Phase Four concentrated on raptor persecution. Officers have carried out a number of activities, including patrols of vulnerable nesting sites, warrants executed in relation to wildlife crime and a social media campaign with an educational video that was produced in collaboration with the RSPB.

Detective Chief Superintendent Laura McLuckie said: “Reports of wildlife crime doubled during lockdown and Police Scotland is dedicated to working closely with a wide range of partner organisations to reduce the harm to species targeted by criminals and the communities who rely on them for employment and tourism across Scotland.

“Tackling wildlife crime is not just about enforcement, it is also about working with partners and raising public awareness to prevent it happening. Indeed, the public has an important role in helping up to investigate reports of wildlife crime and I would urge anyone with concerns or who suspect a wildlife crime has been committed to contact us on 101, and if it is an emergency to call 999.”

More information can be found on the website: 

https://www.scotland.police.uk/wildlifecrime

Some of the world’s most dangerous wild animals are living at private addresses in Scotland

From deadly snakes and crocodiles, to lions, leopards, bears and even an elephant: Born Free reveals that nearly 5,000 dangerous wild animals are being privately kept right here in Britain

A survey conducted by the Born Free Foundation has revealed that 4,798 dangerous wild animals are being privately kept in Great Britain – 496 of which are living in Scotland. Now the international wildlife charity is petitioning the UK Government to immediately review the law, and put a stop to some of the world’s most remarkable but often deadly creatures being in kept in unsuitable environments. Continue reading Some of the world’s most dangerous wild animals are living at private addresses in Scotland

Campaigners welcome circus animal ban

Tomorrow, Scotland will become the first UK nation to enact legislation banning the use of wild animals in circuses. Celebrating the popular measure, Animal Defenders International (ADI) has renewed its call to other UK nations to follow their lead and stop circus suffering in Great Britain. Continue reading Campaigners welcome circus animal ban

Horrific attack on family pets in Drylaw

Police seek information following sickening attack on chickens

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.

 

Three cats deliberately drowned in Edinburgh

Three cats deliberately drowned in Edinburgh

Badge_cropped-1_mediumThe Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the bodies of three drowned cats were discovered in the Saughton area. 

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted when a dog walker found the adult female ginger coloured cats in a small wooded area near Saughton Road on Sunday 3 August.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “A post mortem examination has revealed that all three cats had been killed around the same time by being drowned. Unfortunately our investigation so far has not resulted in any leads and we are now appealing to the public for information.

“The cats were found close to a residential area with no water nearby, indicating they were deliberately left there. This is a particularly disturbing case. These cats were subjected to a horrific death and would have undoubtedly suffered immense distress. It’s likely the cats would have put up a struggle and it may have taken considerable strength to kill them.

“If anyone in the area is missing a cat fitting this description we would urge them to get in contact with us. Similarly, if anyone has any information which could help identify the person who committed this cruel act they should call us on 03000 999 999.”

The SSPCA has supplied photographs of the cats but we have decided not to use them

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