Tag: Scottish SPCA

Scottish SPCA invites dog lovers to meet super staffies

‘Staffies are actually  friendly, affectionate and loyal’ – Mike Flynn, Scottish SPCA 

staff

The Scottish SPCA is inviting dog lovers to visit its Balerno centre to meet its Staffordshire bull terriers in need of new homes.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity launches its annual Staffie Awareness Week today and is urging potential new owners to meet the “fantastic breed”.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Last year our Balerno centre rehomed 21 staffies and have more looking for homes. However, we know many people still overlook them because they think they may be aggressive.

“Staffie Awareness Week is our opportunity to highlight that staffies are actually friendly, affectionate and loyal.

“Many people who visit our centres looking to rehome a dog tell us they have already discounted the breed. But when they meet a staffie their opinions often change once they have been showered with kisses and affection.

“Lots of our staffies have found new homes after people have got to know them and that’s why we are inviting anyone thinking of taking on a dog to visit our centres.

“We are sure if they spent just a small amount of time with a staffie, they’d see what a fantastic breed they are.

“Just like other dogs in our care, some of our staffies have been mistreated and need particular homes but we also have many who would suit a family home with children and pets.

“We are challenging the negative labels staffies have been given because it’s truly heart-breaking to see how many of them are living in our kennels instead of the loving homes they deserve.”

Those interested in giving a staffie a loving home can visit the charity’s Balerno centre which is open seven days a week between 10am and 4pm.

SONY DSC

Trevor (above) has been in our care for nearly a year now and we can’t understand why he is overlooked as he is such a great, loving dog.

Trevor is very much a people dog who enjoys spending time with his human friends. He is looking for someone who can continue his training and socialisation and will require a home with an enclosed garden. He is a joy to walk on the lead and will give you heaps of affection!

Trevor would like to live in a home without any canine companions as he’s not keen on other dogs and can get very worked up when walking past them.

NOTE to Trevor:

Ditch the rugby ball – following yesterday’s heart-breaking defeat most Scots won’t want to see one of those things again for a long, long time!

Don't buy a pet this Christmas

‘A pet is a lifelong commitment’ – Scottish SPCA

Inspector Janet Proudlock with kittenThe 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.”

Business as usual for rescue centres over Christmas

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.

Edinburgh - Animal Care Assistant Gemma Barbour with Cooper the bearded dragon