22 SPRING/SUMMER 20
FABULOUS FINN Life-saving dog inspires free education kit.
HOT WEATHER Caring for domestic and wildlife animals in hot weather.
GET WISE Find out inside how you can help wildlife.
THE MAGAZINE FOR SCOTLAND’S ANIMAL CHAMPIONS
CONTENTS
PAGE 3 - WELCOME FROM OUR CEO PAGE 4 - NEWS IN BRIEF PAGE 6 - RESCUE STORIES PAGE 8 - LOOKING BACK STATS PAGE 10 - FABULOUS FINN PAGE 12 - LEGACY GIVING PAGE 14 - PUBLIC AFFAIRS PAGE 16 - PUBLIC OPERATING MODEL PAGE 20 - ANIMAL WISE PAGE 22 - UNDERCOVER WITH SIU eeting eral M n e G l 12 nua rsday u h T Our An n o place ay. takes t midd a y a M
y if you virtuall t n e v il he e se ema n join t d. Plea e You ca t a.org s c e p r e ttishs o are int c s ils @ hail e deta .macp ill shar w e. e nicola im w the t ter and nearer t n to regis e v e ss the to acce
PAGE 24 - REHOMING TAILS
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
WELCOME FROM OUR CEO
Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of Animal Matters. Here at the Scottish SPCA our busiest season for wildlife is already in full swing. You can find out more about how you can be #WildlifeWise and help both wild animals and the team at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre on page 20. In this issue we also have lots of exciting news and updates not only about our work but also about upcoming changes to important legislation, which you can read more about on page 14. On 28 March, after two years, we
were finally able to reopen our centre receptions to the public daily from 1pm until 4pm. I know the teams at our centres have really missed seeing people in person and having that face-toface contact with our supporters so it’s been fantastic to be able to welcome the public back. We’re still planning to continue rehoming via the website and visiting our animals will be by appointment only. This is due to some surprising learnings that came out of the pandemic around the welfare of animals in our centres. You can find out more about how lockdown was
unexpectedly beneficial for the animals in our care on page 16. As always, we hope you enjoy reading this magazine and seeing the difference your wonderful support is making in the lives of animals we are rescuing, rehabilitating, releasing and rehoming. Thank you so much,
Kirsteen Campbell Chief Executive
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
NEWS IN BRIEF New Chair and Board Member In accepting the role of Chair, Fiona said: “I am truly honoured to take up the position of Chair of the Scottish SPCA. It is a charity with both a rich history and a vitally important future.
In February we announced Fiona MacLeod as our next Chair. Fiona will take up the position in May, succeeding current Chair Ronnie Soutar when his term of office ends. Fiona is currently a Non-Executive Director with Denholm Energy Services.
Her previous Board roles include Clydesdale Yorkshire Bank plc and Virgin Money plc. She brings considerable experience in the charity sector, having been a Development Board member for Pancreatic Cancer UK and Chair of the Women’s Fund for Scotland.
“With a background in farming on Islay and as a long-time supporter of the Scottish SPCA, I have seen first-hand the dedication of colleagues and volunteers. I believe this iconic charity is effectively the nation’s emergency service for animals. It is uniquely placed to champion improvements in animal welfare and to highlight the valuable role animals play in our lives. “I am excited by the prospect of combining my love for animals and my strong commercial experience to ensure the Scottish SPCA continues to prosper and grow.”
Completing ‘The Toughest Footrace on Earth’ for the Scottish SPCA Scottish SPCA supporter Lynne Lamont completed the Marathon Des Sables in October 2021 to raise funds to help us stop the low-welfare puppy trade. The challenge was over six days and involved running 250km (156 miles). It is billed as ‘The Toughest Footrace on Earth’ and crosses the Sahara.
dogs suffering significantly today that the Scottish SPCA have not yet got to.
The Lamont family rehomed their spaniel, Bramble, from us after she was seized from a puppy farm along with 70 other dogs in 2017.
Lynne raised an amazing £8,630 for the Society. These funds will go towards the rehabilitation of animals to allow them to go on and live the life they were supposed to, preferably with lots of cuddles and a nice cosy bed, like Bramble.
Lynne said: “Bramble still has physical and mental scars because of her background. She came with her challenges but thank goodness she survived and got out unlike many other
“Knowing that I can do something to help tackle this horrific trade, especially now when the demand for puppies is so high, will really help keep me going as I cross the desert.”
If you’d like to fundraise for us, check out our upcoming events here: scottishspca.org/support/events
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
Have you joined the Scottish SPCA Lottery? Our new weekly lottery has launched! By taking part in our lottery, you can be there for animals too. Each entry will help us to care for thousands of pets, wildlife and farm animals.
Each play costs £1 and you could win up to £25,000 or one of three other prizes every Friday. If you decide to play, you’ll receive a sequence of six numbers that are unique to you.
When you play, you could be helping to meet the costs of food for a cat in our care. You may be helping to cover the costs of vital veterinary treatment for a dog. Or, you may even be helping to fund expert rehabilitation for an injured bird of prey such as a golden eagle.
Every Friday six numbers will be drawn at random and if you match three or more numbers in the correct order you’ll win one of our prizes!
Bear and Mov8 partnerships We are delighted to announce we have been selected as BEAR Scotland’s National Charity Partner for 2022 after securing a third of votes in an employee poll. As well as taking part in fundraising events across the organisation, BEAR will have collection boxes for donations of crucial items within its depots and offices for distribution across our centres. Scottish SPCA head of fundraising Natasha MacKinnon said, “We are delighted to have been chosen as BEAR Scotland’s charity partner of the year. “It’s wonderful to be partnering with a business where the team are clearly animal-lovers and share our values. “The fundraising events BEAR Scotland are planning will allow us to continue carrying out our life-saving work rescuing and rehabilitating domestic, farm and wild animals across Scotland. The donation collection
points will also be invaluable in helping us care for animals at our nine animal rescue and rehoming centres and National Wildlife Rescue Centre.”
which will go such a long way to helping us look after the animals in our care. Over the coming year we’ve got lots more exciting plans to work alongside MOV8.
We are also excited to have been chosen as MOV8 Real Estate’s Charity Partner for 2022. MOV8 kindly agreed to donate £50 for every property listed between 11 February and 11 March to us,
With animals and people facing extraordinary pressures, the support of businesses like MOV8 and BEAR has never been so important.
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
DEER RESCUE In February we were called to an unusual rescue after a deer became stuck on her back between a wall and a shed. The deer was found by a member of the public at an address in Pitlochry on 24 February. Animal Rescue Officer Lucy Rattray said “The deer had become trapped on her back in a narrow space. “She had been stuck there for a few hours but after a few attempts I was able to free her.
PUFFIN RELEASE We successfully released two puffins back in to the wild with the assistance of the Scottish Seabird Centre. The birds, who are classed as endangered species, were released near Elie on 28 December. The two birds, christened Tony and Don, were brought in to our National Wildlife Rescue centre within hours of each other on 8 December. April Dodds, assistant manager of the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre, said “Don was found on a beach in Montrose with an injured leg. “Tony came in just a few hours later from a beach in Fife, a member of the public’s dog found him under a pile of seaweed, injured and soaked through from the rain.
“Both these birds were very lucky to have been found and we’d like to thank the members of public involved for taking the time to stop and help them. “As puffins are sociable birds we decided to pair the two of them up so they could have some company during their rehabilitation. “After a few weeks of medical treatment from our specialist veterinary team, plenty of rest and a good feed they were ready to be released. “It’s always a fantastic feeling to watch animals return to the wild but none more so when the animals in question are vulnerable species like these puffins. We know how tenuous the wild population is so it’s important to do everything we can to rehabilitate and release any that come in to our care.”
“Thankfully, she only had light grazing to her body and was able to be released only a couple of miles away from where she was found. “We are so grateful to the member of the public who alerted us to the deer in difficulty and preventing any further distress or suffering to this animal. “If anyone needs help to rescue a trapped or distressed animal they can call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
MAN RECEIVES BAN FOR DONKEY NEGLECT 86-year-old Albert Sauer was handed a £300 fine and a tenyear ban on owning donkeys or horses on 14 October 2021 at Campbeltown Sherriff Court. Sauer plead guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to eight donkeys under Section 19 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 in September 2020. In total, 11 donkeys were removed from Mr Sauer’s care. The accused failed to provide adequate foot care for the donkeys, which led to two being put to sleep on veterinary instruction to relieve their suffering. Scottish SPCA inspector Yvonne Inglis, who led the investigation, said: “This is without a doubt the worst case of equine neglect I’ve come across.
“Eight of the donkeys had severely overgrown feet that only developed because they had gone untreated for a prolonged period of time. All it would have taken to save these donkeys from months of pain and suffering was regular foot trimming from a farrier. The state of the hooves led to severe lameness and two having to be put to sleep. There is no justification for allowing the
health of these poor donkeys to deteriorate to this point. “Thankfully for the other donkeys involved, The Donkey Sanctuary stepped in to offer support and have been providing them with care and treatment in the right environment. They are all in a much better, happier place now and we’re proud to work with our animal welfare partners to do the best we can by every animal we rescue.”
10-YEAR-BAN FOR ANIMAL FIGHTER 32-year-old Liam Taylor was handed a 10-year ban on owning dogs, a one-year supervision order and 240 hours of unpaid work for training his black and white bull lurcher, Brock, for the purposes of fighting. He was sentenced under Section 23 1 (a) of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 at Banff Sherriff Court on 3 November. An undercover inspector from our special investigation’s unit said, “Brock had very obvious, painful looking facial injuries. There was damage to his nose
and his right nostril had been partially removed. “He had puncture wound and scars over the top of his muzzle, head and face. Brock also had an injury to the lower jaw which looked fresh and painful. These injuries are consistent with animal fighting. As well as the facial wounds, Brock also had an injury to his front paw and he was finding it hard to put weight on it.” Brock was removed from the property for immediate veterinary attention.
A full veterinary examination determined that Brock had been used repeatedly for animal fighting which had resulted in multiple disfiguring injuries, the most damaging of which are consistent with face-to-face combat with a badger. “Badgers can be lethal and we have had to put animals to sleep in the past due to the injuries they sustained during a fight with a badger. If Taylor had kept forcing Brock to fight, then who knows what would have been the outcome for him.”
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
2021 - A YEAR OF STATISTICS
87,742 Reports responded to by our inspectors and animal rescue officers
3,101
Animals found their
forever homes
266,972
Successful
our animal helpline
secured
Calls answered by prosecutions
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
investigations in to
Cases reported
seized under raptor
There were 87 proceedings in 2021, and 36 prosecutions.
Raptors seized following
18
to the Procurator Fiscal for animal cruelty
mistreated birds of prey
persecution
Investigations in to the activity
of low-welfare puppy dealers
522
22
Puppy dealing SIU investigations
2,769
Wild animals rehabilitated
and relased
Puppy farming at our wildlife investigations. hospital
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
FABULOUS FINN inspires free educational toolkit. We’re delighted to be teaming up with retired police dog, ‘Fabulous Finn’ and his owner and handler, PC Dave Wardell who famously showcased their incredible bond on Britain’s Got Talent. Finn’s mindreading skills wowed the audience but it was their story that captured the hearts of the nation and brought Simon Cowell to tears. In 2016, Finn was viciously stabbed whilst on duty. When the attacker aimed a second blow at PC Dave Wardell, Finn dived in front of his handler, despite his life-threatening injuries, and saved Dave’s life. Finn went on to inspire Finn’s
Law which brought more robust legal protections for service animals. Finn and Dave have been friends of the Scottish SPCA for many years and we feel now is the right time for Finn in particular to be able to share his wisdom and help inspire the next generation. World Storytelling Day provided the perfect backdrop for us to share their incredible story and encourage people to recognise that animals have feelings too. Our brand new free educational toolkit, launched at the Scottish Parliament on 16 March, aims to do just that by educating primary and secondary school pupils about animals’ emotions
and the power of the humananimal bond. Scottish SPCA Head of Education, Policy and Research, Gilly Mendes Ferreira, said, “The free toolkit focuses on bringing the human-animal bond to life through the use of real stories like Finn and Dave’s and aims to encourage young people to recognise that animals have emotions too and how having relationships with animals can positively affect our lives. “The toolkit includes interactive games, quizzes and activities which link to all areas of the curriculum. We have a toolkit for primary schools and a separate
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
toolkit for secondary schools which can be accessed via the Scottish SPCA website.” Finn and Dave’s tale is just one example of the strength of the human-animal bond. The Scottish SPCA rescues and rehabilitates thousands of dogs every year and some have even gone on to do important roles just like Finn. Phoenix was rescued from a puppy farm in Aberdeenshire in 2017. He was cared for at the Scottish SPCA Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre before joining the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Incredible stories like Phoenix and Finn’s demonstrate how having a strong connection with an animal can support our health and wellbeing, and the importance of taking care of animals’ emotional needs in return.
To learn more about Fabulous Finn and Dave’s remarkable bond
visit: www.scottishspca.org/fabulous-finn
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
HOW LEGACY GIVING HELPS THE SCOTTISH SPCA Gifts in wills fund almost half of the work we do at the Scottish SPCA. We respond to over 80,000 reports of animals in need every year so you can imagine how many of those only get the help they need thanks to our supporters leaving legacies to us. Not only do these generous donations help cover the day-to-day costs of caring for the thousands of animals in our centres, but gifts in wills enable us to undertake large scale projects too. In 2016, we were able to build new kennels at our Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre thanks largely to a generous legacy donation made by the late Rikki Fulton and his wife Kate. The two tiered kennel blocks were the first of their kind in Scotland and increased our kennel spaces from 99 to 150. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the back log of court cases meant that many dogs caught up in the legal system were desperately in need of temporary refuge. In 2020, temporary refuge dogs spent an average of 203 days living in a kennel environment. Without the kind donation left by this supporter in their will, we would not have been able to provide a safe environment for these dogs when they needed it most. Similarly, the development of
This service allows anyone who requests an information pack to arrange for a free, simple will to be written by local solicitor We cover the costs but there’s no obligation to leave a gift in your will to us.
the Aberdeenshire centre would not have been possible had it not been for a very generous donation of 75 acres of land gifted to us in a supporter’s will. Since the centre was built in 2011, animal care assistants have cared for over 15,000 animals. During the pandemic, the Aberdeenshire centre has experienced unprecedented levels of demand on its services with almost 1,500 animals coming into our care at this centre alone in 2021. One of only two of our nine centres with the space to care for equines the centre cared for 36 horses and ponies in 2021. We understand that talking about sorting your affairs after you’ve gone can be daunting. That’s why we’ve joined the National Free Wills Network.
You can find out more about requesting a Scottish SPCA Legacy pack or a National Free Wills Network pack on our website: www.scottishspca.org/ legacy Leaving a legacy means you can be there for the animals in our care, always.
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
Leaving a legacy means you can be there for the animals in our care, always. visit: www.scottishspca.org/legacy
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill The Scottish Government recently introduced the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill which aims to address the loopholes in the current legislation. The Bill states it will still be an offence to hunt a wild mammal using a dog. However, licences can be applied to manage wild mammals if they are damaging livestock, woodland or crops, to prevent disease or protect human health. Dogs must only be used to flush out the targeted species and allowing dogs to kill any wild mammal remains illegal. Hunting will be limited to two dogs and anyone wishing to hunt with more will have to apply for a licence. While we welcome the improvements, we would like to see alternatives in the control of mammals and would prefer a complete ban on the use of dogs. We strongly believe that using dogs to control any wild mammal, or for sport, has no place in modern society. We will continue to engage with the Scottish Government as the Bill progresses.
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE
Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill
The Scottish Government has proposed a new law which would restrict how people can buy and use fireworks and other ‘pyrotechnic items’ – such as flares. Proposed restriction around the days fireworks and pyrotechnics can be sold and set off by licensed persons will help people implement safeguarding measures for people or animals who may be adversely affected by fireworks.
Similarly, the introduction of firework control zones would greatly reduce the stress caused to farm animal and animals living in shelters or zoos. Sites of special scientific interest or endangered species’ habitats should also be considered as firework control zones. We are supportive of a licensing system for certain categories of fireworks in Scotland with an online training course. This will help to educate the public and
operators about the dangers of fireworks and help to encourage responsible use. Stricter regulations around the purchase, supply and use of fireworks and pyrotechnics would undoubtedly improve the lives of animals and people living in Scotland’s communities whilst still allowing people to enjoy fireworks responsibly.
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
PUBLIC OPERATING MODEL UPDATE On 28 March we announced a new public operating model, based on new learnings from the coronavirus pandemic. While we welcomed visitors back to our receptions, open from 1pm to 4pm daily, for the first time since early 2020, the public could no longer access the rest of the centre and view animals in the same way they could prior to lockdown.
When the centres were open, animals that were nervous or had little to no human contact found the whole situation very daunting. For animals who have been used to a quiet, peaceful environment to then have members of the public walking by trying to talk to them, combined with the noise of the other animals, made it harder for them to come out their shells.
Since the pandemic, our rehoming has moved to an online system where potential new owners are required to fill out an online rehoming form for a specific animal. If their application is successful, they are given an appointment to come and meet the animal. Despite the easing of restrictions, this process hasn’t changed due to the positive impact we’ve seen on the welfare of animals in our care.
For others, members of the public walking around can be very exciting and frustrating as they have no way of getting to the people they can see. This can lead to them excessively barking, jumping or spinning and eventually becoming distressed. As people visited throughout the day animals would be stuck in a
Pu
rr
Purr
cycle of this behaviour and find it very difficult to settle. Reducing the footfall around our centres has made such a positive impact on our animals that we’re excited to see the long-term benefits for animals that we rehome.
ll e s s u R k c a J e h Audrey t Audrey came into the care of the Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre as part of a large group of terriers that had been kept in farm-like conditions with little to no handling or human contact. As a result of this, she was extremely nervous and fearful of people and any sudden movements. Just seeing the staff alone was a lot for her to handle. It took the team a long time to gain her trust and get her used to being on the lead to go for walks or even accept being petted.
Previously, rehabilitating an animal like Audrey would have been a lengthy process due to how busy the centre could get with the public visiting. Sadly, this often meant animals would be in our care for longer than they needed to be. Due to lockdown, rehabilitating Audrey only took a couple of months because the centre was quiet and the staff were able to give her the time she needed without interruption.
Thanks to the work the team were able to do with her, Audrey has now gone on to find a loving forever home.
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
How to care for wildlife and domestic animals in hot weather
increasing number of Last summer we received an ife such as hedgehogs, calls to our helpline for wildl d in gardens. In some foxes and birds being injure ly able to be released after cases, animals were thankful ly some animals were not veterinary treatment but sad sleep due to the extent of as lucky and had to be put to passed before our animal their injuries. Some had even rescue officers arrived. Last year our animal rescue officer, Amy Stirton, said: “I’ve attended jobs where fledglings have been stuck in paddling pools and hot tubs.
ed “The birds have nearly drown the and are hypothermic by e time they are found. They hav al then been taken to our Nation r ove rec to tre Wildlife Rescue Cen e hav or from being waterlogged, to heartbreakingly had to be put sleep.
“I have also attended incidents of hedgehogs and a fox cub becoming trapped in football netting. “Sadly, only one survived their ordeal. Another was dead on arrival as it had been strangled by the net, and three had to be put to sleep due to the extent of their injuries despite our best efforts to save them.” Whilst enjoying this summer, please consider the wildlife that might visit your garden. Simply tidying away any football netting, fishing equipment, paddling pools and securing hot tubs could be the difference between life and death for some of Scotland’s wildlife. Domestic pets also need some help in the summer months. For outdoor animals keep their enclosure and run out of direct sunlight. Ensure their water is
checked and changed regularly – small animals need a lot of water. Other ways you can care for small animals are to wet a towel and place it over the enclosure, ensuring it isn’t blocking ventilation, purchase cool pads that can be frozen, or line the enclosure with something ceramic that doesn’t conduct heat. You could also place a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel in your pet’s enclosure but making sure your pet is not directly beside it. Remember to keep a close eye on your dog in the summer months as canine companions are at risk of heat stroke in hot weather. You can walk your dog first thing in the morning or last thing at night when it’s cooler or, if you’re thinking of taking your dog for a walk, test the pavement with your hand. If it’s too hot for your hand
it’s too hot for your dog’s paws! If you are out in the garden provide access to shade and plenty of fresh water. Using cool mats, frozen treats or a doggy paddling pool will help keep your dog cool at home. Never leave your dog in a hot car and avoid running or cycling with your dog when it’s hot. If you think your dog has heatstroke contact your vet immediately. The signs of heatstroke in dogs include: heavy panting and drooling, lethargy and drowsiness, vomiting, loss of co-ordination and collapse.
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Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
We get called out to help thousands of young wildlife every year. In many cases, they don’t actually need our help. Well-meaning humans can disturb or move a baby wild animal and create a welfare issue, meaning we have to take it to our wildlife hospital. Assistant manager of our National Wildlife Rescue Centre, April Sorley, said,” Every year we see lots of baby animals being lifted out of their natural environments by concerned members of the public, who don’t mean any harm and are just trying to help. “People often think that certain animals have been abandoned if they are sitting alone or hiding in the grass, but it is likely that their mother is nearby. “This has a large impact on the staff at our wildlife hospital as often these animals need to be hand reared, needing milk
feeds as often as every two to three hours. This is a massive undertaking when there are multiple animals of varying species all needing to be fed at the same time, as well as the animals who are at the centre because they need to be with us due to being injured or unwell. “We can try and replicate their mother as best we can, however it is not the same as life in the wild and can be very stressful for the animal. “The most common young animals that come into our care are fox cubs, rabbits, leverets (hares), hedgehogs and roe deer fawns. Lots of these animals will be left for periods of time before their mother returns to feed them. “If a roe deer fawn is picked up for no reason other than it was lying in the grass alone, this fawn then
needs round-the-clock feeds from around May until August. This is an immense amount of pressure on our staff who then need to be available for four to five months, day and night, for milk feeds throughout summer. “These animals can sometimes take several days to accept milk however some fawns will just not accept human contact as they are a prey animal. Every instinct they have is telling them not to trust or go near humans. We then have to try and reverse this for rearing, and then try and re-wild them once more to be released.”
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
IF YOU FIND ANY BABY WILDLIFE...
OBSERVE Don’t get too close to any young wild animals you see. You could scare them and, as they will likely nearby, their parents and siblings. Instead, maintain a safe distance and observe as much as you can.
WAIT
ACT
If there is no sign an animal is sick or injured and there’s no immediate threats to it (i.e. is it on a busy road or vulnerable to predators), then do not disturb it.
Once you’ve waited a while, hopefully a parent has returned and the young animal is fine.
Instead, leave it be for a few hours and return to check on it again.
If there’s no sign of an adult or no evidence one has visited, give our Animal Helpline a call on 03000 999 999.
03000 999 999 scottishspca.org/wildlife-wise Scottish Charity No. SC 006467
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
UNDERCOVER WITH THE IT SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UN From animal fighting, to the
USPCA, DSPCA, Stena Line, Police
What trends are you seeing in
persecution of wildlife and the
Scotland and others.
animal welfare crime?
serious animal welfare crimes
We sat down with one of our
We’re definitely seeing gangs of
happen every day in Scotland.
undercover inspectors for a chat
organised criminals moving in
And that’s where our special
about their work to give our
to areas where they can make
investigations unit (SIU) comes
supporters more of an insight in
large profits at the expense of
in. Working undercover, they
to the important, and sometimes
animals or launder the proceeds
gather intelligence on people
dangerous, work they do.
of conventional criminality like
horrific illegal puppy trade,
who engage in these despicable
drug money through businesses
acts and often confront
What does a day in the life of an
involving animals. The risks for
hardened, organised criminals
SIU officer look like?
them are much lower because
who have no regard for animal welfare.
the penalties associated with Every day is different. Some days
these offences are a lot lower.
can be mundane, working on the
In terms of proceeds of crime,
SIU is at the forefront of the
laptop, writing up cases, travelling
we’re seeing a huge increase in
struggle to eradicate the worst
long distances to take witness
financially driven offences against
types of animal cruelty. Many
statements or carry out enquiries.
animals like puppy farms, fertility
people in Scotland are unaware
But the other part of the job is
clinics, illegal vet medicine and
of just how rampant these are.
really exciting, it’s investigating
ear cropping.
Crimes the team deal with
cases involving the most serious
include animal fighting, wildlife
welfare offences against animals,
persecution and puppy farming.
which often involve organised criminals. We’re able to utilise
Our SIU also spearhead Operation
investigation skills to detect
Delphin, a multi-agency taskforce
offences, rescue animals and
designed to bring illegal puppy
prosecute offenders.
traders to justice across the UK. It is supported by Dumfries & Galloway Council, ISPCA, RSPCA,
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
What personal qualities and
illegally. That one stuck with me
experience does someone need
as it was just one example of
to become an SIU officer?
one place and it was frightening to think the level of destruction
An SIU officer needs to have lots
caused by one person. If you
of enthusiasm, be driven and be
were to magnify that across
creative and able to think outside
Scotland it horrifies me to think
the box when needed! They also
what potential damage could be
need to have a thick skin and be
getting done to our rarest wildlife.
able to manage disappointment as sometimes investigations don’t
What is the most rewarding
get the results you were hoping
part of your job?
for. Ideally, they come from an investigative background, with
It’s catching the person who’s
a skillset including experience
committed the offence knowing
in forensics and conducting
that we’ve not only rescued the
interviews. Most importantly
was when we executed a warrant
animals there and then but we
they need to be an excellent
on a person keeping the UK’s
also prevent many more from
communicator at all levels.
largest collection of venomous
horrendous suffering. I’m hugely
snakes including spitting cobras
proud that our unit is the only
What’s the most unusual case
and black mambas. Some of the
one in Scotland who can do that
you’ve been involved with?
snakes were loose and prior to
type of work consistently in the
us becoming involved they had
area of crimes involving animals.
I could name dozens, every one
been escaping in the flat through
more unusual than the next.
the floorboards and dropping in
How can members of the public
It never ceases to amaze me
to the neighbour’s flat below!
help to tackle the type of issues you investigate?
what people will get up to! But certainly one of the most unusual
Which case you’ve worked on has stuck with you the most
The biggest thing the public
and why?
can do is contact our helpline on 03000 999 999 if they need
A case involving the systematic
to report something, as we rely
destruction of rare birds and
on communities to help us
animals on a shooting estate.
solve these crimes. When you’re
Four otters, seven badgers and
in the countryside be vigilant,
multiple species of birds of
look around. Never have the
prey like peregrine falcons and
feeling that you shouldn’t bother
goshawks had all been killed
reporting something or that it’s not important. Report anything you think is suspicious or we may be interested in and we’ll be more than happy to look in to it.
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
S L I A T G N I M O REH In December we launched an appeal to find an overlooked, blind, Patterdaleterrier cross named Miss Piggy a home. She’d sadly had little interest due to her condition, despite being a lovely and affectionate dog. We’re delighted to report that since the appeal, Miss Piggy has been renamed Missy and is living her best life in her forever home! Missy spends most of her time on someone’s lap, and is always giving them cuddles and kisses! She loves meeting other humans, and is learning slowly how to be friends with other dogs.
IGGY P S S I M
Missy’s new owners told us they would love for people to see how wonderful it can be to rehome a special wee dog, as she has already changed their lives for the better.
MISSY
Missy the rabbit recently celebrated her one-year rehoming anniversary! When she first went home, she enjoyed wandering all over the house as well as in a safe outdoor space. Her new family even likened her to a chicken as she was a free range bunny! Not very long after going to her forever home Missy sadly developed a cataract. Her condition unfortunately worsened as a few months later, she also developed a cataract in her other eye. She was very confused and frightened being blind, and her owners helped her as best they could by not moving any furniture, and guiding her when she got lost. Missy was referred to a specialist where she had both cataracts removed and has made a great recovery! Since her surgery she has gone from strength to strength and is back to her lovely natured self.
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
When Eilidh first met Belle she was warned that she did not like human touch, and our team was shocked to see that within seconds Belle let Eilidh pet her! Eilidh knew then that Belle had picked her, and the next day took her home.
BELLE THE
CAT
Nearly two years later, Belle’s progress has been amazing. She sleeps in Eilidh’s bed, loves being brushed and drools when she’s happy. She is becoming more friendly with visitors and will come sit with them, compared to previously staying away in another room. She has also become so much more playful. When Eilidh first rehomed Belle, her notes said ‘unable to handle’ Eilidh’s patience and hard work has allowed Belle to blossom and we are sure her confidence will continue to grow in such a loving home.
Darla is a cheeky ferret who was recently rehomed by Lucy from our Lanarkshire centre, and has settled amazingly well in to her new home. She spends hours in her play room every day, and loves her toys and treats. Her favourite place to rest is on Lucy’s shoulder while licking her ear! Lucy said that she is absolutely besotted with her. Darla even has a new ferret friend to get up to mischief with, Hettie. Hettie was previously a resident of our Dumbarton centre. The pair have really benefitted from each other’s company and
RET
DA
FER E H T RLA
love to snuggle up together in their hammock. We are so glad that they were able to find the perfect home together.
Scottish SPCA |
Scotland’s Animal Welfare Charity
EVENTS CALENDAR
Inverness Aberdeen
Central Scotland Dundee
Glasgow
Edinburgh Musselburgh
TS
TS VIRTUAL EVEN 50km in May - 1-31 May Pound for paws - 1-30 Sept 50 miles in October - 1-31 Oct
EN PHYSICAL EV
Kiltwalk Aberdeen - 29 May Edinburgh Marathon Festival - 28 - 29 May Men’s 10k Glasgow - 19 Jun Kiltwalk Dundee - 21 Aug Bark in the Park - Late summer
UR OWN INTERESTED IN DOING YO R ONE THING OR SIGNING UP FO ? OF OUR EXISTING EVENTS VENTS ORT/E SCOTTISHSPCA.ORG/SUPP
Kiltwalk Edinburgh - 18 Sept Scottish 10km and Half Marathon - 18 Sept Loch Ness Marathon - 2 Oct Men’s 10k Edinburgh - 23 Oct Woman’s 10k Edinburgh - 23 Oct
WE’RE THE ONLY ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANISATION OR CHARITY IN THE UK WITH LEGAL POWERS TO SEIZE ANIMALS IN NEED WHEN THEIR WELFARE IS AT RISK. WE’RE A SEPARATE CHARITY FROM THE RSPCA, WHICH OPERATES IN ENGLAND AND WALES ONLY. WE’RE THE ONLY NATIONAL ANIMAL WELFARE CHARITY IN SCOTLAND WHICH RESCUES AND REHABILITATES BIRDS. WE’RE HERE FOR ALL ANIMALS, ALWAYS – BUT ONLY WITH THE SUPPORT OF ANIMAL LOVERS LIKE YOU. WE GET NO GOVERNMENT FUNDING, SO ALL OF THE WORK WE DO IS FUNDED BY GENEROUS ANIMAL LOVERS LIKE YOU.
RE
“YOU CAN BE THE
OF FOR THOUSANDS ALS.” IM N A ’S D N A L T O C S
VISIT WWW.SCOTTISHSPCA.ORG
HERE FOR ALL ANIMALS ALWAYS
03000 999 999 www.scottishspca.org SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, KINGSEAT ROAD, HALBEATH, DUNFERMLINE KY11 8RY
SCOTTISH CHARITY NO. SC 006467