Saving Animals in Scotland
Your Scottish SPCA magazine Autumn/Winter 2018
#PawsPlayRelax
Scotmid partnership launched
Animal Guardians
Your donations are saving lives! 03000 999 999 scottishspca.org
Forever Care
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News Dog music album ‘Paws. Play. Relax.’ launched
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10 In court
Lifetime ban for dog neglect 13 Features #SayNoToPuppyDealers
Your Scottish SPCA Magazine We keep our costs as low as possible to ensure even more of your kind donations can be used to help defenceless animals in Scotland. This magazine, which keeps you up to date with the fantastic work taking place thanks to your support, costs just 45p to print and post. If you donate £5 a month, that’s less than 1% of your annual donations.
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16 Fundraising
You can have fun, raise funds and help save lives
Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Kingseat Road, Halbeath, Dunfermline KY11 8RY 03000 999 999 | scottishspca.org |info@scottishspca.org Scottish Charity No. SC 006467
Fill out and send us the form supplied with this magazine. Email membership@scottishspca.org
Editor: Michelle Supple Design: Eddie Naper ISSN: 1360-8207
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News. CONTACT US
/scottishspca
Thanks to our supporters we can rescue animals from danger and distress. Your donations save lives and give animals a second chance.
@scottishspca
scottishspca.org
Animal Helpline 03000 999 999
We’re treating a high number of animals with litter related injuries Sadly we have been alerted to a high number of animals who have unfortunately had injuries as a result of improperly discarded rubbish. We regularly receive calls to our animal helpline regarding animals being put at risk by throw away waste. The majority of people are very responsible and take care to clear away their rubbish, however, this is not always the case and we need your help to spread the word that being so careless can kill wildlife. In July we were alerted to two severe cases involving rubbish. A young bat in Carluke was caught on discarded fishing line, with a fishing hook through his face. Animal Rescue Officer Dawn-Vale Lowdon said, “We can’t say how long the bat had been suffering but we’re thankful someone spotted him. Last year we released 4,812 wild animals back into the wild
“He made a fantastic recovery which was unexpected as his injury looked quite severe and we were able to release him back into the wild.” We also rescued a young gull who was found by a member of the public with plastic wrapped tightly around his feet. Animal Rescue Officer Dawn Robertson said, “The plastic was wrapped very tightly around the poor guys foot which had caused it to swell and blister. “I was able to cut it off before he was taken to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross to receive further treatment. “Sadly animals aren’t always so lucky when encountering rubbish. Recently another rescue officer responded to a gannet and blackback gull who, unfortunately, both had to be put to sleep due to their severe injuries.”
We are calling for our supporters to ‘reduce, refuse, remove, recycle and reuse’ plastic where possible and encourage others to do the same.
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Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2018
News.
Last year we rehomed 316 rabbits
We celebrated Rabbit Awareness Day and revealed new research In August we released preliminary analysis from our current research project in time to celebrate Rabbit Awareness Day! Working with the University of Edinburgh, we have been exploring new methods of teaching animal welfare as part of our free Prevention through Education programme, which is delivered to Scottish primary schools annually. We are in the process of introducing a new ‘Rabbit Rescuers’ feature to the programme which will teach young children how to care for pets and encourage children to develop healthy relationships with animals. Trialling the use of rabbit toys, both soft and mechanical, we also aim to reinforce key rabbit welfare messages. Professor Jo Williams, Clinical and Health Psychology from the University of Edinburgh said, “We have demonstrated that ‘Rabbit Rescuers’ improves 5 and 6 year old children’s attitudes about cruelty towards rabbits and their understanding of rabbit welfare needs and rabbit sentience. “The intervention with the mechanical rabbit was most effective, but the fluffy toy rabbit
also helped children learn about rabbit welfare and led to greater attachment to pets.” Head of Education and Policy Gilly Mendes Ferreira said, “These results are a huge step forward for the Society as we believe education is the key to preventing animal cruelty in the future. Interestingly, the use of these toys also opened up conversations that showed children believed rabbits, both wild and domestic, ate rabbit stew and played football – just like Peter Rabbit from the films, before they took part in the project! “We are pleased that this research confirms our belief that real animals don’t need to be used to teach effective animal welfare messages. Rabbits in particular can be caused a great deal of stress being handled by a number of different people, and as part of our Rabbit Awareness Day we encouraged people to be more ‘rabbit aware’.” Rabbits are very sociable creatures that require specialist care and sadly they are often bought as pets for children, and left forgotten at the bottom of gardens.
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News.
Adventurous tortoise reunited In May we were delighted to reunite an adventurous tortoise named Moira with her owner in Dundee.
We were able to reunite 1,063 pets with their owners in 2017
Animal Rescue Officer Coreen Hill said, “I received a call when Moira was found by the owners of Grewar’s Farm Shop, hiding out in their shed. “I took her to our local animal rescue and rehoming centre for a check over and popped posters up in the area hoping to find her owner. “Luckily Moira was absolutely fine, and we could reunite her with her family.” Mr Brown, Moria’s owner, added, “I can’t believe how far she managed to get, the shop is 300 yards away from our house!
“We’re delighted to have Moira back home and we’re grateful for the shop and the Scottish SPCA for reuniting us.” Microchips can find pets more quickly. Call 03000 999 999 to book an appointment to chip your pet.
New home for Tia Inspector Robyn Gray said, “Tia required surgery to remove her right ruptured eye and during that it was discovered that her left eye was near rupturing, so further work was required to save her eyesight. “Thanks to the hard work from the vet team and our centre staff, Tia pulled through and made a full recovery.” In August we rehomed Tia, who came into our care as a result of an investigation and subsequent court case, with her new loving forever family. Arriving at the centre Tia was unsteady on her feet and in very poor condition. She was extremely underweight and weighed only half of what she should, but we’re delighted that she was able to make a recovery!
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Tia is now called Phoebe, and lives with another Rottweiler, Arthur, who was rehomed from our centre in Glasgow. Phoebe and Arthur are inseparable and he has taken on his role as her protector. Phoebe’s new owners say she has settled into her new life perfectly and spends her days sleeping in their bed, visiting the beach and playing with their grandchildren. Following a successful court case, Phoebe’s previous owner was given a five year ban on owning animals.
Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2018
News. “It wasn’t easy making music that will be enjoyed by dog owners just as much as it will by their beloved pets...” John McLaughlin Songwriter
Paws. Play. Relax. Head of Research and Policy Gilly Mendes Ferreira said, “It can often be a bit overwhelming for dogs arriving into our care as they’re in an unfamiliar environment. We’ve worked with the University of Glasgow to research ways to help relax our animals, both in the centre and in a home environment.
Songwriter John McLaughlin, best known for writing hit songs for artists such as Rod Stewart, Westlife, Busted, Cliff Richard, and Sandi Thom and being the current manager of the Bay City Rollers, has teamed up with us to create a music album aimed at relaxing dogs. The tracks on the album, ‘Paws, Play, Relax’, are based on results of collaborative scientific research with the University of Glasgow.
“The team at our centres across Scotland enjoy listening to the album and our dogs have had a very positive reaction to the music.”
The ground breaking research shows music can help dogs to relax when they are stressed and anxious, leading to lower levels of stress hormones, better cardiovascular control and more chilled behaviour. Just like humans, dogs become bored if they listen to the same music continually and like variety within their playlist. While all of the genres of music tested help keep dogs calm, they seemed to particularly benefit from reggae and soft rock.
Neil Evans Professor of Integrative Physiology at the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine said, “We’ve been working with the Scottish SPCA for a number of years on ways to enrich dogs’ lives. Knowing that humans enjoy music, we wanted to see if animals do too and explore the health benefits that music might bring.”
Songwriter and producer John McLaughlin said, “As soon as I was approached about the idea of a music album for dogs I wanted to be involved! I’m a huge animal lover so was happy to assist in any way I could.”
You can buy the album at scottishspcashop.org or pop into your local Scottish SPCA centre.
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News.
Scotmid Launch
In September we were delighted to kick off Scottish Animal Week by launching our partnership with Scotmid Co-Operative as their Charity of the Year. The partnership aims to not only raise around £300,000 but also increase awareness of the vital work we carry out in local communities across Scotland, with a particular focus on educating primary school children and local communities on animal welfare. Staff across Scotmid, Semichem and Scotmid Co-op Funerals offices in Scotland will take part in various fundraising activities to support us. Our Chief Executive, Kirsteen Campbell said, “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Scotmid and are so thankful for their support. “The partnership provides endless opportunities to raise awareness of our services, educate people on good animal welfare, encourage support for campaigns and of course raise much needed funds!
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“Education and prevention is at the heart of what we do and we are delighted that Scotmid has chosen to support the Society.” John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid Cooperative, said, “We are really excited to announce our new Charity of the Year partnership with the Scottish SPCA. The target of this year’s partnership will be to raise money to fund an education programme aimed at preventing animal cruelty through education. “There are many plans in the pipeline already for fundraising, so we look forward to talking to members and customers about how they can help us to raise as much money as possible for the Scottish SPCA.”
Exclusive Scottish SPCA merchandise will be available in-store, including a limited edition sparkly paw print badge. You can buy yours today and help raise #PenniesForPaws.
Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2018
News.
Gearing up for a busy grey seal and hedgehog season Our dedicated wildlife team care for over 7,600 animals each year at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross. In our care they receive specialist treatment and veterinary care before being released back into the wild.
Last year we cared for over 1,450 hedgehogs
We are gearing up for grey seal and hedgehog season at the moment. National Wildlife Rescue Centre Manager Colin Seddon said, “Seal season usually lasts from around November until March or April the following year and usually sees us treat over 100 injured or orphaned pups. “If you see a lone seal pup this winter then do not approach it, make sure all dogs are on a lead and monitor from afar. “A mother seal will leave her pup on land while she is out feeding because it cannot swim very well until it has lost all of its white fur, which happens at around three to four weeks of age. “If her pup is touched or moved then there is a good chance she will abandon it.
If you see a lone seal pup this winter, don’t approach it
“You should call our animal helpline immediately if you think the seal pup is sick or injured.” Dependent on weather temperature, hedgehog season usually lasts from late October until March or April of the following year. Colin explains, “If you find a hedgehog at any point during the winter months give our animal helpline a call as hedgehogs should be in hibernation at this time of year. Our National Wildlife Rescue Centre cares for lots of hedgehogs every year who were discovered outside during the cold weather. “Rescued hedgehogs are released once they have reached a suitable weight of over 600g and the weather has warmed up to a consistent night time temperature of over four degrees centigrade.” Learn more and raise awareness by following #SSPCASealSquad and #SSPCAHedgehogHelpers on social media.
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In court. REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY
Sadly, not everyone in Scotland cares for animals as much as you do. We investigate abuse and neglect and help take those responsible to court.
Animal Helpline 03000 999 999
Lifetime ban for dog neglect Sadly, our frontline staff encounter cases where animals are deliberately deprived of food, water and veterinary care. Instances such as this are very worrying and it is vital we try and prevent these crimes and ensure the best possible animal welfare standards in Scotland. In August, a 59 year old man who failed to provide veterinary treatment to his West Highland Terrier dog, named Bonnie, was given a £300 fine and a lifetime ban on keeping animals following an investigation. Robert Cook, of Wishaw, was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 20 August. Cook pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering under section 19 of the Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Commenting on the investigation and court case, Inspector Heather Lawson said, “This charge was dealt as Cook failed to provide veterinary treatment to Bonnie, a female West Highland Terrier, who, upon vet examination was found to have an atopic skin disease,
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infected ear canals and gingivitis. “She had very little hair covering any part of her body, the small amount of hair that was present was matted and her skin was severely inflamed, sore, greasy, and covered with scabs and sores. “Bonnie was taken to one of our centres where she received various ongoing veterinary treatments. To date she continues to improve and is bright, alert and happy to interact with the staff. Her skin is not painful, but will continue to be treated since her skin condition is chronic. “We welcome the fact that Mr Cook has pled guilty in court and the sentence handed down. This is a hugely positive step forward for animal welfare.”
Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2018
We’d like to see the number of lifetime bans being given as a result of animal abuse increase.
In court.
Five year ban for Inverurie man William Cassie, 62, of Inverurie was sentenced at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on 14 August. Cassie was found guilty of two counts of causing unnecessary suffering under section 19 Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Our Senior Inspector Alison Simpson said, “The first charge was dealt as Cassie failed to provide farrier and veterinary treatment to an overweight Mouse Dun Highland Mare, which upon a vet examination, was found to be acutely lame. It was noted by the attending vet that there was severe overgrowth of the hoof and that the mare displayed several of the signs of extreme chronic laminitis. “The second charge related to a black Shetland stallion to which Cassie also failed to provide veterinary treatment. The pony had suffered a compound fracture to his leg, with the fractured bone protruding from the wound which had been untreated for a prolonged period of time. “Sadly, due to the severity of their injuries it was decided by the attending vets to put both ponies to sleep. “To find ponies suffering to the extent that these two were is totally unacceptable and avoidable through routine inspections. “We welcome the fact that Mr Cassie has been dealt with by the court and the sentence handed down.”
As a reporting agency to the Crown Office we are proud of the accomplishments we have made bringing successful convictions against those who commit animal cruelty. However, whilst we have seen 70 successful cases in 2017, the sentences being handed out are hugely inconsistent. We welcome the Scottish Government’s recent proposals on animal welfare. After pushing for increased sentencing for animal abusers we are thrilled to see work will be done to introduce increased sentences for the worst types of animal cruelty. We are hopeful this will act as a deterrent. However, we will continue to seek for more consistent sentencing and more life time bans. We see first-hand the welfare problems when animals cannot be rehomed until a court case has been heard, so we welcome the commitment from the Scottish Government to allow animals seized to be rehomed much more quickly and efficiently.
We are sorry if you are distressed by any of the images in this magazine. Unfortunately, many of the animals we care for have been caused a great deal of suffering. We feel it is important to show the reality of cruelty to animals in Scotland and how we are able to help by investigating abuse and neglect.
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Feature.
Animal Guardians Through our free ‘Prevention through Education’ programme we now reach around 275,000 children every year across Scotland with a focus on primary aged children. We know that our programme has a significant impact on children’s knowledge about animals and their welfare needs and on children’s beliefs that animals have feelings. However, sadly we are now seeing first-hand the effects that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have on how children interact with animals that they encounter. This led us to develop our Animal Guardians programme which is currently being offered to children living in the Edinburgh and Lothians region.
Practitioners such as Social Workers, Educational Psychologists, CAMHS specialists, Teachers and Children Charities are being encouraged to refer children who have been flagged as having the potential to commit animal cruelty, or have already been involved in an animal cruelty incident. We then work with the ‘referred’ child on a one to one basis in a fun and engaging way by encouraging them to think about and recognise both human and animal emotions. They also spend time playing games that focus on what animals need and ultimately how they can be responsible towards the animals that they encounter, be this in their home, on the street or out in the countryside.
Our ground-breaking programme is the first step in tackling the link between animal cruelty and violent crime.
The University of Edinburgh is evaluating this programme to ensure we are having a meaningful impact. We hope to expand this service in the near future so that we can truly make a difference to young lives in Scotland.
Many of the children who have been referred to the programme generally lack empathy and compassion towards animals and consequently take it out on the animals in their home or on those they meet on the street, which can have a negative impact on how they interact with others in their community.
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Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2018
Find out more about our education programme: scottishspca.org/education
Feature.
Ear cropping trend warning Our Special Investigations Unit has seen a worrying increase in the number of American Bully dogs coming into our care due to on-going investigations, and we want to remind the public that ear cropping is completely unnecessary.
these dogs go through for the sake of a status symbol.” Vet practitioners are bound by law and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Code of Conduct and as such are unable to carry out these illegal procedures.
Just two years ago we didn’t have a single American Bully in our care, however we’re now seeing a worrying increase in the number of these dogs seized as a result of our investigations. The recent increase is entirely down to the current trend to own these dogs as a status pet.
This means dogs are being subjected to makeshift surgical instruments without proper and safe anaesthetics and therefore pain relief. It goes without saying that this kind of cosmetic procedure would cause considerable pain and distress to the dog being subjected to it.
In the UK, any surgical procedure carried out for purely aesthetic purposes is illegal. Ear cropping is one of these procedures.
As this activity is illegal it’s likely that any infection may go untreated to avoid detection by seeking veterinary advice.
A common misconception is that these dogs are bred for fighting but that is not the case. The intensive breeding of these dogs in order to create the barrel-chested, heavily muscled, wide gaited bully of today has led to them becoming a sought after breed which can be sold for in excess of £10,000.
Many of our supporters aren’t aware of this practice which is, in short, painful and needless mutilation. Our goal is to prevent any more dogs suffering under this illegal practice, so please report any concerns to our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
An undercover inspector from our Special Investigations Unit said, “New breeders are popping up across Scotland and carrying out these backyard-butcher type procedures in order to increase the value of these pups. “It feels like we’ve taken a huge step backwards - we had hoped that this horrific trend had ceased. “These procedures are of no benefit to the dog and are carried out for purely selfish reasons. “It’s a real shame that a number of people won’t even realise that these animals aren’t supposed to look like this, and don’t understand the amount of pain and suffering
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Feature.
#SayNoToPuppyDealers Walk away, report your concerns, stop the trade. Call 03000 999 999. We are determined to put an end to illegal puppy farming and our supporters can help us do this. Our Special Investigations Unit spearhead a multi-agency taskforce who work tirelessly to bring puppy traders to justice through Operation Delphin which includes support from our partners, Dumfries and Galloway Council, ISPCA, USPCA, DSPCA, RSPCA, HMRC Trading Standards, Stenaline, Police Scotland Port unit and APHA. Whilst Operation Delphin helps identify traders and sellers, we want to continue building on its success and bring the entire trade to an end. We truly believe we’re stronger together, that’s why we’ve joined forces with the Scottish Government, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, RSPCA, Battersea, Dogs Trust, University of Edinburgh, PAAG, Trading Standards Scotland, One Kind, Blue Cross and BSAVA to tackle this cruel and callous trade and led the way on creating SayNoToPuppyDealers. co.uk, which is a hub for anyone interested in buying a puppy. Owners are often unaware and take on these animals which not only cause them emotional pain, but they also take on an unexpected financial cost, which is unaffordable for many owners.
can stand up and stop this illegal trade. In August the UK Government made a commitment to ban third-party pet sales in England which aims to protect young, vulnerable animals and stop unscrupulous breeders. The illegal puppy trade is a priority for the Society and we welcome the Programme for Government’s commitment to improve animal welfare by reforming licensing and breeding laws. Any legislation that would enforce the monitoring of the sale of any animals is a positive step in the right direction. It’s very hard to walk away from these puppies, and we know people want to give them a better life. However, not only are they taking on a huge problem for themselves, both emotionally and financially, they are also fuelling this horrendous trade of misery. Please help us end the illegal puppy trade by walking away and reporting your concerns to our animal helpline on 03000 999 999. Visit SayNoToPuppyDealers.co.uk for advice on buying a puppy and to pledge your support.
Please visit the website and join over 6,000 people who have already pledged to #SayNoToPuppyDealers. With your help we
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Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2018
Pledge to #SayNoToPuppyDealers today at SayNoToPuppyDealers.co.uk
Fundraising CONTACT US
/scottishspca
We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the fantastic fundraisers who have been taking part in brilliant challenges to raise vital funds for Scotland’s animals.
@scottishspca
scottishspca.org
Amazing animal ambassadors We were delighted when six year old Alyssa decided to help raise funds by selling her toys. Little Alyssa started a fundraiser after finding our latest appeal at her door which urged her to help the animals in our care. Alyssa initially had a target of £100, however she decided to continue giving away her beloved toys until she reached an incredible £1000! Our hearts were also truly touched in April when Lana bravely decided to shave her head to help abused, abandoned and injured animals in Scotland. Lana raised over an amazing £660 and we are hugely proud of her for her courageous gesture! We’d like to say a huge thank you to all our fantastic fundraisers who have been taking part in all sorts of challenges to raise
Lana before
Lana after
much needed funds. If you’d like to make a difference to animals by organising a fundraiser or taking part in a challenge we’d love to hear from you!
Giving a helping hand We have many hard working and committed volunteers who give up their spare time to help rescue, rehome and rehabilitate animals in Scotland. This summer we were hugely grateful to Trespaws, who donated over 200 hours of their time to help the animals in our care. The team helped in a variety of ways, including fundraising, developing a sensory garden and even helped to continue socialising some of our long term canine residents!
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There are lots of ways to get involved. If you’d like to volunteer and help animals in Scotland, please get in touch!
Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2018
Sponsor a Space The perfect gift for any animal lover
Visit scottishspca.org/sponsor to find out more Your gift, which lasts for a full year will help pay for the food and veterinary treatment of the animals cared for in the ‘space’ you have chosen to sponsor.
Can your company help? Do you work for a company that could help support our life saving work? We are extremely lucky to have the support of lots of companies throughout Scotland. As we rely solely on donations this support is vital and very much appreciated. Whatever the size of your company, there are lots of ways to get involved. Payroll giving, staff fundraising, corporate volunteering and displaying a collection tin are just some of the ways to help. Please get in touch!
fundraising@scottishspca.org
Since 2013 we have been partnered with family run fabrics company Calzeat. The partnership began after family members rehomed Zara the Staffie, who was one of a litter of ten pups born in our care. For every Funfair scarf sold, Calzeat donate £1 to the Scottish SPCA. To purchase your very own Calzeat scarf, please visit: calzeat.com/sspca
03000 999 999 Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2018
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Fundraising.
Take part, have fun and help save lives Tartan Tea Party
30 November 2018
Falkirk Wheel Abseil
20 April 2019
The Virgin London Marathon
28 April 2019
Kiltwalk, Glasgow
28 April 2019
Great Stirling Run
28 April 2019
Rehoming Week
13 - 19 May 2019
Forth Rail Bridge Abseil
June 2019
Edinburgh Marathon Festival
25 & 26 May 2019
Kiltwalk, Aberdeen
2 June 2019
Ben Nevis Trek
7 - 9 June 2019
Kiltwalk, Dundee
18 August 2019
Pound for Paws
September 2019
Kiltwalk, Edinburgh
15 September 2019
Mount Kilimanjaro Trek
24 October 2019
Sign up today and do something incredible for Scotland’s animals! For more information please get in touch Call 03000 999 999 (option 4)
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Email fundraising@scottishspca.org
Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2018
Visit scottishspca.org/events
Falkirk Wheel Abseil
Rehoming Week
20 April 2019
13-19 May 2019
Forth Road Bridge
Kiltwalk
5K and 10K 24 August 2019
Bucket Collections
June, April, August & September 2019
Sign up and raise funds for Scotland’s animals
C h ri st m a s g i f t i d ea s . . . T-shirts
Christmas cards £4.99
£4.99
£15.99
Bags
£5.99
Water bottle £4.99
Mugs
£29.99 Leggings
Visit scottishspcashop.org Please visit our Official Scottish SPCA Print Shop
scottishspcaprintshop.org Upload your own photo and personalise your prints.