Tag: SSPCA

First seal pup of the season rescued

A newborn grey seal pup has been rescued by the Scottish SPCA after he fell
into the sea at North Queensferry – and staff expect that young ‘Tiller’ will be the first of many during this pupping season.

Less than a week old and still fully furred, the male grey seal pup was spotted lying on rocks by men working on the new Forth Road crossing. As the men approached the pup he fell off the rocks and into the water.

Grey seal pups cannot swim well until they have lost all their fur so the workmen fished the pup out of the water and called the Scottish SPCA for help. Animal rescue officer Joanna McDaid took the seal to the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross, Alloa, where he is now receiving treatment and care.

Staff have named him Tiller.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “Tiller is our first grey seal pup of the season and he’s quite unusual in that he was found in an area that is not a known pupping ground. He could have been washed off the established pupping ground at nearby  Inchkeith Island or his mother may have been young and inexperienced.

“It sounds as though he took fright when he was approached and slid off the rocks and into the water which is bad news for a newborn seal pup as their thick fur coats act like a sponge and absorb water so he’s unlikely to have survived on his own for long.

“Thankfully, the men scooped him out of the sea and called us for help. Tiller arrived weighing a healthy 13.5kg for a newborn pup and he’s continued to make good progress in our care. Normally the weight would dip but Tiller has remained steady and has even put on a few pounds recently so we’re feeling positive about his rehabilitation.

“He’s being tube-fed fish soup at the moment and that will continue for the next few weeks until he’s old enough and strong enough to feed himself. He’s currently our only grey seal pup but we’ve no doubt he’ll be joined by many more in the coming weeks and months.”

The SSPCA is urging members of the public to contact its animal helpline if they see a distressed seal pup lying on the shore this winter, adding that they could be doing more harm than good by approaching or picking it up.

Colin continued, “We often receive seal pups that are healthy but have been abandoned by their mothers because someone has disturbed them.

“The mother seal will leave her pup on land while she is out hunting in the water so it’s quite natural to see seal pups lying on the shore line for several hours at a time.

“Our message to the public is, if you see a seal pup and you are concerned for it’s welfare then call our animal helpline for advice or assistance on 03000 999 999 before approaching it.”

Tiller will be cared for at the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre until he is fully fit, feeding himself and at the right weight to be released.

Tiller
Tiller

Volunteer to help Scotland’s animals

Volunteer and help Scotland’s animals

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 2-8 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 941 animals and 2013 is proving to be just as 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.

“Every 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

Rehoming Week

SSPCA seek owner of Sweary Sam!

Who’s a ****** pretty boy, then?

Swearing parrot seeks owner!

The Scottish SPCA is seeking the owner of a potty-mouthed parrot found straying in West Lothian. Scotland’s animal welfare charity was called to rescue the cheeky bird on Saturday (6 July) from a garden in Netherwood Park, Livingston.

The Timneh African grey parrot is now entertaining staff at the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, where he has been nicknamed Sam.

Assistant manager Kenny Sharpe said, “Sam is a real character. Not only does he know a vast array of swear words, he also dances and whistles if he feels he’s not getting enough attention.
He’s a very friendly boy who will jump on your shoulder or hand so it seems someone has spent quite a bit of time taming him.

“Sam doesn’t have an identity ring so unfortunately we’ve not been able to trace his owner. Hopefully someone will recognise him and come forward so we can return this rather mischievous bird home soon.”

Anyone who recognises Sam can call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

SAM: who you ****** looking at?
SAM: who you ****** looking at?

Lizard found lounging in local loo!

Lizard found in local loo

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a lizard was abandoned in the toilet of an Edinburgh supermarket. Scotland’s animal welfare charity was called to rescue the female bosc
monitor from Asda on Newhaven’s Sandpiper Drive on Thursday afternoon (27 June). The reptile is now being cared for at the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, where she has been named … Lulu!

Inspector June Chalcroft said, “Lulu was discovered in the disabled toilet at around 1pm. She was making her way out of the white sack she had been left in when a member of the public found her. The shop would have been fairly busy at the time, so we’re hoping members of the public may have noticed someone carrying the sack in to the store.

“In September 2011 I was called to rescue a bearded dragon which had been left in a white sack in the male toilets of Morrisons on Ferry Road, which isn’t far from where Lulu was dumped. Unfortunately, we never received the information we needed to identify the person responsible, but we do have to consider that these abandonments may be linked.

“Reptiles have very specific needs in terms of their environment, nutrition and care and anyone thinking of taking on this type of pet should do their research to make sure they have the time and resources
to give their animal the life it deserves.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information should contact the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Lulu

Driver warning – don’t leave dogs in hot cars

Dogs die in hot cars

Can you imagine the horror of returning to your car to find your beloved pet dog boiled alive? The Scottish SPCA is urging pet owners not to leave their dogs in hot cars, warning they are risking their animals’ lives by doing so. Concerned members of the public have been contacting the charity’s animal helpline after seeing distressed dogs left in cars during the recent spell of warm weather.

The Scottish SPCA is keen to remind people that leaving a dog in a warm vehicle for even a short period of time can have serious consequences for both the dog and the owner. A 53 year old man from the Glasgow area has already been cautioned this year under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 with causing two dogs unnecessary suffering after leaving them in a hot vehicle. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We run this campaign every summer but some owners simply are not getting the message and we fear that they don’t fully appreciate the dangers they are putting their animals in. Many people might not realise that even on warm, cloudy days, cars can effectively turn into ovens and dogs can overheat in minutes. Leaving a window open and providing water is not enough. Being left inside a hot vehicle causes dogs to pant to try to cool down and this can lead to severe dehydration and hyperventilation which is extremely dangerous.

“Most people know what it’s like to get into a car after it’s been sitting in the sun. It’s unbearable and we immediately roll down the windows or turn on the air conditioning. Imagine being trapped inside a hot vehicle wearing a fur coat for minutes, possibly hours, and you are some way to understanding how dogs in hot cars feel.”

The charity is urging owners to leave their animals at home in warm weather rather than taking them on a car journey, stressing that dogs have previously died in Scotland as a result of being left in hot cars.

CS Flynn added: “We aren’t scaremongering. Sadly, we have dealt with cases where dogs’ body temperatures have increased to such a point they have effectively been boiled alive from the inside. The suffering they endured would have been horrendous and what’s even worse is these tragedies were entirely avoidable. Our advice is to leave dogs at home on warm days if they are going to be left in the car for any period of time as it is simply not worth the risk.

“Owners should ensure that their dogs have fresh water available at all times and that there is adequate ventilation in the room. When dogs are kept outdoors, shelter should be provided so they can escape the heat of the sun. Causing an animal unnecessary suffering is a criminal offence and anyone found guilty of doing so can be fined and banned from owning animals. However, there would be no greater punishment than an owner returning to their car to find their dog has died a horrific death due to their own ignorance.”

Scottish SPCA posters highlighting the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars are available to be displayed in local communities. To request copies please phone the charity’s Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 and
select option 5.

Alternatively, email info@scottishspca.org, providing the address you wish your posters to be sent to and the number you wish to receive.

Dogs die in hot cars poster

All’s well after flying Pie’s cross border drama!

'Pie'

Magpie boards London to Edinburgh train!

An injured magpie found by a holidaymaker and smuggled aboard a London to Edinburgh train has been released back into the wild by the Scottish SPCA.

An elderly woman discovered the fledgling being attacked by crows when she was visiting family in the Kilburn area of London and took him in as he was too young to feed himself. The bird lover was still concerned for the magpie when she was due to return to Scotland and decided to take him on the train in her handbag.

She later contacted Scotland’s animal welfare charity and the bird was taken to its National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Clackmannanshire. The Edinburgh woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “The
magpie was very traumatised when I found him. I knew he was too young to feed himself so I took him in and began hand-feeding him. I even nicknamed him ‘Pie’. When I was due to leave he still wasn’t self-feeding, so I cleared out my handbag and popped him inside.

“I don’t think anyone on the train realised I had a baby magpie with me. My family have always looked after birds and I initially thought Pie wouldn’t survive, which was really upsetting. People have always said I’m eccentric and I’m sure they’d think that even more so if they knew about this! I’m so happy to hear he’s been released and I’m very grateful to the Scottish SPCA for helping him, they’ve done a fantastic job.”

SSPCA Centre manager Colin Seddon said: “Usually we advise people to leave fledglings alone, but in this case the magpie was being attacked by other birds and had sustained injuries. We’d recommend anyone who finds a bird in need of help to contact an animal rescue organisation such as ourselves for advice and assistance. While it was certainly unusual to take the magpie on the train, this lady had taken very good care of him and it’s clear she must care a great deal about birds. The magpie made a fantastic recovery and it was wonderful to release him back into the wild fit and healthy after his rather long journey.”

Will Pie choose to stay in Scotland or will he head back down south? Will the referendum issue affect his decision? Sadly, we’ll never know!

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Magpie being released by Lorraine Gow, Head of Birds

Pictures courtesy of SSPCA

Mice homes needed for rescued rodents!

The Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming  Centre is seeking loving new owners for 34 domestic mice. Scotland’s animal welfare charity rescued the mice after they were found living in poor conditions.

 Twenty four of the mice, 13 males and 11 females, are ready and waiting to be rehomed while another female has just given birth to six babies, a further female is pregnant and there are two small juveniles who need more care before they will be ready to go to new homes.

Manager of the Balerno-based Centre, Diane Stewart, said, “The mice had been kept in cramped, dirty conditions and they had been allowed to breed freely resulting in multiple litters. Their previous owner was not coping so it was in the animals’ best interests for them to be signed over into our care and found suitable new homes.”

“Ideally we’d like them to be rehomed in small same-sex groups and pairs as mice are very intelligent and sociable creatures who enjoy the company of their own kind. They are very attractive with some beautiful markings and we’re sure
they’d make fantastic pets for mice lovers who have the time and commitment to care for them. We’d love to hear from anyone who can give some of our mice the second chance they deserve.”

Anyone interested in offering a pair or small group of mice a home can call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 and ask to be connected to the Edinburgh Centre.

Mice.

Help Poppy the Hamster find her way home!

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a hamster was found loose on a Leith street during the recent blizzards. The animal welfare charity was contacted on Monday evening (18 March) after a member of the public spotted the little rodent on Spey Street, just off Pilrig Street. Now named Poppy, the female Syrian hamster is being cared for at SSPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Animal Rescue Officer Duncan Robertson said, “Poppy is around a year old and in good condition. It’s very lucky she was found by someone who helped her as there was a severe blizzard on Monday evening and it was bitterly cold. Poppy was found in Leith, which is a built up area with lots of flats nearby. Hamsters are fast creatures and can wriggle through small spaces so there is a chance she has escaped from home.

“However, we are keeping an open mind at this stage and can’t rule out the possibility she may have been abandoned by her owner. Poppy could have easily come to harm so we’re really glad she’s now safe. We’re keen to hear from anyone who recognises Poppy and, in the meantime, we’ll ensure she receives the care she needs. “If no-one comes forward, we’ll be looking to find Poppy a loving new home.”

Anyone with information is being asked to contact the SSPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Poppy

No rest for animal rescue centre over Christmas

Animal Care Assistant Antonio Dalessio with Cuthbert

The Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre had a staggering 156 animals in its care this Christmas Day. It was business as usual for dedicated staff at the Balerno-based  centre, which is open to the public all year round.

Centre Manager Diane Stewart said, “It’s a sad reality that there are  lots of animals without loving homes to call their own this Christmas time. Thanks to our staff, no animal here spent Christmas Day alone and they all got a wee treat from Santa too. It’s simply not an option for us to close over the holidays as the animals here rely on us and they don’t have anywhere else to go.

“We’ll be here for all the animals in our care throughout Christmas and  New Year, ensuring they’re fed, watered and exercised every day as usual. There is also the task of washing down the kennels, cleaning out the catteries and other enclosures and ensuring animals receive any necessary vet treatment. We’ll also continue to take in abandoned, neglected, injured and
unwanted animals who have been rescued by our inspectors and animal rescue officers.”

“Although we aren’t rehoming young animals between 20 December and 3  January to prevent them being taken on by someone who wants a new pet  for Christmas and hasn’t fully thought through their decision, they can be reserved and there are lots of other pets in our care ready to find their forever homes right now. People are very welcome to pop in to the centre if they think they could offer one of our animals a second chance at happiness.”

The Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre is open 10am-4pm, seven days a week.

Winter’s tale: Christmas misery for abandoned pets


The Scottish SPCA has warned of the dangers of giving pets as Christmas gifts as the charity prepares for one of its busiest and most heartbreaking times of year. Scotland’s animal welfare charity has also revealed some of the excuses given for young and elderly pets being given up during the festive period.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Sadly, our animal rescue and rehoming centres are full every Christmas. It’s a time of year when many of our centres are asked to take in elderly pets, with dogs being the most common. The excuses our staff have heard have been shocking, with some owners telling us they have suddenly developed an allergy to a pet they’ve had for years. Others have said they’ve simply had enough of their pet because it’s so old and some have even told us they don’t want their dog making their house untidy when they have guests for Christmas.

“We know that in some of these cases the owners have in fact been making space for a new puppy or a younger pet, which is disgusting and extremely callous. Our centres will stop rehoming young animals between 20 December and 3 January because we have to be very careful they aren’t being taken on by anyone who wants a new pet for Christmas and hasn’t fully thought through their decision. Taking on a pet is a commitment for that animal’s lifetime and new owners should ensure they have the time and resources they need and understand their responsibilities.”

Chief Supt. Flynn said the Christmas period continues to have a distressing impact in the New Year.

“It’s another 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,” he said. “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.
Our message is pets are a long-term commitment and responsibility, not presents which can be given on Christmas Day and forgotten about soon afterwards.”

On Christmas Day last year the Scottish SPCA was called to rescue an elderly dog dumped on a remote country road and left for dead. Chief Supt. Flynn said, “It’s almost unthinkable that someone would do something so cruel. Winter could easily have been knocked down and killed and it was clear whoever did this didn’t care what happened to him. While we didn’t receive the information we needed to find Winter’s owner, we can’t rule out the possibility he was abandoned to make way for a Christmas puppy. Thankfully, we were able to rescue Winter before it was too late and soon found him a loving new home.”