… but you don’t have to take them all!
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for help rehoming 16 beautiful bunnies who have made a fantastic recovery from a case of snuffles. The rabbits are currently housed at Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre as they look to start a new life with a loving family. Continue reading Scottish SPCA seeks homes for sixteen beautiful bunnies
Animal lovers in Edinburgh and the Lothians are being invited to experience the trip of a lifetime to Madagascar while raising vital funds for the Scottish SPCA. Continue reading Animal Magic: join SSPCA’s trip of a lifetime
Compulsory dog microchipping comes into effect today
From today it will be compulsory for owners to ensure their dog is microchipped. Continue reading Chipping Norton … and Sodbury, and Rover …
Anaconda found loose in West Pilton!
A four foot-long anaconda was rescued by a street cleaner who found it lying next to a fence in West Pilton Bank last Saturday. Gordon Fraser first thought the yellow snake was a child’s toy – until it moved!
Gordon bravely coaxed the snake into a box and took it back to his depot before contacting the Scottish SPCA.
William, as the snake has been named, is now being cared for at the charity’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno. He’s recovering well following three days of treatment at a vets.
Gordon Fraser explained: “I noticed the snake lying behind some cardboard next to a fence and thought it was a toy at first. Then it moved and I realised it was real!
“The snake looked in really poor condition so I tried to coax him into a cardboard box and we took him back to the depot. I’m pretty shocked to find out the snake is an anaconda – my workmates kept telling me not to touch him but I don’t think he would have survived for much longer if I hadn’t helped him.”
The SSPCA is now appealing for information. The charity’s June Chalcroft said: “Yellow anacondas need experienced owners as they are temperamental and will bite. However, William was extremely thin and dehydrated when he was found curled up outside and he didn’t put up a fight.
“We rescue all types of animals, including snakes, but they tend to be smaller species such as corn snakes. It’s extremely rare for a 4ft anaconda to be found in public.
“At this stage we don’t know how he came to be found outside. He may have escaped from home but we also have to consider the possibility he has been abandoned.”
Well, are you missing your pet snake?
Call the SSPCA on 03000 999 999
‘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
One thousand days in care for Rascal the snake
A snake who has become the Scottish SPCA’s longest resident is looking for a home after 1000 days in care. Scotland’s animal welfare charity is hoping to find the right home for Rascal, a California kingsnake who arrived at their Edinburgh Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in the summer of 2012.
Assistant manager Kenny Sharpe said, “Poor Rascal has been with us for nearly three years and has attracted very little interest. He arrived in our care after he was found behind a kitchen unit in Bathgate. A lot of people are put off by his appearance but we know there are plenty of reptile enthusiasts out there who will appreciate Rascal for the stunning creature he is.
“Rascal has a good temperament for a kingsnake and we are looking for an owner with previous snake experience to take him on. Snakes have specialist care requirements and should not be rehomed on a whim so we would certainly urge any would-be owners to do their research.”
Anyone who can offer Rascal a new home is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh centre on 03000 999 999.
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after two dogs mauled a deer in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Tuesday after a member of the public witnessed two dogs attacking the animal in a field near Blackford Glen Road.
Animal Rescue Officer Fiona Thorburn said, “When I arrived the deer was in a terrible state, the bite marks were awful and you could see the muscle had been ripped off her back legs. Sadly, the deer was in severe pain and wouldn’t have recovered so the most humane thing to do was to put her to sleep.
“Passers-by described the dogs as two Jack Russell types who were off their leads. It is extremely worrying that these two dogs were able to carry out this attack. It could be that they were being walked by their owner who lost control of them.
“Unfortunately we have been unable to trace the owner but we are hopeful someone in the area may have information. We always advise dog walkers to take extra care when they are in areas with wildlife. In this instance, an animal has lost its life because these dogs were not under their owner’s control.”
Anyone with information relating to the attack should contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
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.
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.
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.”
