Older animals needing care

An animal welfare charity has warned that it has experienced “a change in the demographic” of the animals coming into its care.

The Scottish SPCA urged people to adopt a “pensioner pet” after a charity found itself caring for more than 50 older animals.

The charity said older animals had advantages – being already trained, calmer and, in the case of dogs, presumably less likely to chew a new owner’s slippers.

Scottish SPCA chief executive Kirsteen Campbell said: “We have seen a change in the demographic of the animals that come into our care. We’re now caring for older animals with more complex health conditions. While our expert teams are well placed to give these animals the love and care they need, we know that nothing compares to a loving forever home.”

The charity said its Rehoming Week, which starts on Monday, was “the perfect time to try to find these golden oldies a new home as we’re spreading the word about the wonderful animals in our care”.