Calls to Scottish SPCA top 10,000

The Scottish SPCA responded to more than 10,700 calls from Angus, Dundee and Fife to its animal helpline last year.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “While Scotland is a nation of animal lovers, unfortunately there are some who still abuse and neglect animals.”

We firmly believe education is the key to preventing cruelty and we are encouraged by the continued success of our Prevention through Education programme for primary schools, which reached over 38,100 children in the Angus, Dundee and Fife areas.”

Scotland’s animal welfare charity also cared for more than 860 animals at its Dundee and Angus rescue and rehoming centre at Petterden.

Centre manager Elliot Hay said: “Last year, we found wonderful new homes for over 600 animals from our centre, but there’s always more we can do to raise awareness of the number of animals in our care.

“Many of the animals were rescued from lives of abuse or neglect and some were even discarded like rubbish when their owners decided they no longer wanted to look after them.

“It’s heartbreaking to think about but people can help by giving one of these pets a second chance or spreading the word to friends and family.

“This year we hope to find homes for even more animals and we would certainly encourage anyone thinking of taking on a pet to check out our website or visit our Dundee centre.”