SSPCA centre’s coronavirus fear Base is closed to the public

SHIRLEY BARTYNEK

Lanarkshire’s Scottish SPCA rehoming centre has closed to the public.

The animal welfare charity, who are based in Hamilton, say they have introduced a raft of measures to ensure they can continue to rescue animals and support pet owners in communities in the face of the coronavirus crisis.

As of last Wednesday, March 18, however the society’s centre was closed to the public unless they had pre-arranged appointments.

In 2019, the society attended to more than 220 incidents per day and cared for over 20,000 animals across its rescue centres and wildlife hospital.

The society will also temporarily stop accepting used blankets or towels.

Scottish SPCA chief executive Kirsteen Campbell said: “The Scottish SPCA provides a vital service to animals in need, to vulnerable pet owners and to schools and communities across Scotland.

“As the coronavirus spreads, we have a duty of care to the public, our staff and the animals we help to ensure we can continue to do our job without putting anyone at risk.

“These precautionary measures are designed to make sure our dedicated animal welfare experts can still be in centres to look after animals and our committed inspectors and animal rescue officers can still be on- hand to rescue animals.

“We will still be there whenever people, pets and wildlife need us.

“We have been monitoring the spread of the virus for some time and have already taken steps to ensure all of our centres are well stocked in terms of specialised food and veterinary supplies.”

The Scottish SPCA has also confirmed its education team will not visit schools until further notice. their children.

Kirsteen said: “We are doing the right thing by cancelling school bookings, but we don’t want children to go without the opportunity to learn about animal welfare in the weeks ahead.

“We are in contact with head teachers across the country to help get materials related to animal welfare education to households.

“I would say to anyone who has concerns about the impact of coronavirus on how they can care for their pet – give our animal helpline a call.

“We will give you all the advice and support we can. As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we are here to support pet owners and make sure they can maintain the strong bond with the animals in their