Animals still being abused, report SPCA

More than 3000 incidents in Lanarkshire

Scottish SPCA staff responded to more than 8000 incidents last year in the Lanarkshire area.

The animal welfare charity – which has a base in Hamilton – say their frontline team responded to over 8140 incidents to their helpline in 2017.

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

The charity has hailed its groundbreaking education programme as the way forward.

Flynn continued: “We firmly believe that 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 more than 37,770 children in the Lanarkshire area.

“Our inspectors and animal rescue officers also go above and beyond in communities throughout the country, working with members of the public, giving advice, providing support and offering assistance where possible.”

Scotland’s animal welfare charity also reported that they cared for more than 2200 animals at their Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming in Hamilton’s Bothwell Road.

Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre Manager Peter Fleming said: “Last year we found wonderful new homes for over 1100 animals from our centre here in Lanarkshire, but there’s always more we can do to raise awareness of the number of rescue 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 Lanarkshire centre.”