Animal centre needs your help
Hamilton’s animal rescue centre is asking people to help if they can as the pandemic rages on.
In recent weeks, the Scottish SPCA has seen almost 1500 members stop their monthly donations.
This, combined with the cancellation of fundraising events and challenges, means the organisation could face losing up to 20 per cent of its income this year in a worst-case scenario.
The base on Bothwell Road needs over £51,000 every month to care for animals.
Centre manager Gillian Boyle said: “Our frontline teams, whether on our helpline, out on the road, or in a rescue centre, are still here fighting to rescue and care for every single animal we can.
“We know Scotland is a nation of animal lovers and now, more than ever, we ask that they don’t forget the animals.”
The involvement of the Scottish SPCA can be the difference between life or death for animals like Rocky the Staffordshire bull terrier.
He was found abandoned and tied to a park bench before being brought to the Hamilton centre.
Rocky had a skin condition which vets had to treat immediately to clear up. It was untreated for so long that he still has some areas of skin affected, even 11 weeks after being rescued.
Poor Rocky never got the chance to socialise with other dogs, meaning he has to wear a muzzle when he may come in to contact with other canines.
In typical Staffie form, Rocky is at his happiest when playing with his tennis ball or soaking up attention.
Without the efforts of the Scottish SPCA’S animal care team, Rocky would have continued to be in pain from his skin condition and would never have rediscovered happiness.
Gillian added: “Our aim is to be here as long as animals and people need us, giving the likes of Rocky a second chance in life.
“Every single person who signs up to support us with a monthly donation will make a difference and will save lives.”
Since the nation entered lockdown on March 23, the charity has fielded over 11,000 calls to its animal helpline and responded to over 4400 reports of animals in urgent need – an average of over 140 per day.
The Scottish SPCA has now launched a new campaign with a simple message as the charity provides a vital lifeline to Scotland’s animals throughout the coronavirus pandemic – don’t forget the animals.
To find out more about the new #Dontforgettheanimals campaign and becoming a member of the Scottish SPCA, visit www. scottishspca.org/join.