Not just for Christmas
The Scottish SPCA rehoming centres are bracing themselves for an abundance of unwanted animals this Christmas and is appealing to pet owners to think twice about trading their old family pet for a new one or taking on the responsibility of an animal they cannot care for.
Ayr centre manager Marion Hainey 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 who were given as presents. Even worse, some of these animals are dumped like rubbish once the novelty has worn off.
“Every year in the lead up to Christmas we stress that animals should never be bought on a whim or given as surprise presents but some people aren’t getting the message.
“In order to reduce the risks of people taking on pets to give away as presents, we will stop rehoming puppies, kittens and baby animals between 19 December 2016 and 3 DUMPED the festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for animal sanctuaries January 2017. We have to ensure our rescue animals aren’t being taken on by someone who just wants a new pet for Christmas.
There is no rest for the dedicated staff at the charity’s nine centres throughout Scotland who work 365 days a year. Over this festive period the Society’s Rescue and Rehoming centres will be closed to members of the public on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and January 2.
The Scottish SPCA rely entirely on public donations and receive no government or lottery funding, if people would like to donate this Christmas they can call the charity’s helpline on 03000 999 999 or visit https://www.scottishspca.org.
Winter was dumped and left for dead on a remote country road on Christmas Day.
The SSPCA were called out when the spaniel setter cross was discovered moments after a car was spotted stopping on an unclassified road in Lanarkshire near the A71.
Unfortunately, they weren’t able to identify the person responsible, but they were able to find a fantastic new home for the 10 year old dog, who they named Winter.