Saving Animals in Scotland
Your Scottish SPCA magazine Spring/Summer 2017
MSP support for the fight against puppy trafficking
Seal of Thrones
Music to their ears
Jail sentence for dog neglect
Your donations are saving lives! 03000 999 999
scottishspca.org
Help Scotland’s animals on your special day Wedding favours £2 Presented on a delightful gift card with a heartfelt thank you message from the Scottish SPCA inside. Badges available in puppy, kitten, hedgehog or paw print style. 03000 999 999
fundraising@scottishspca.org Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals | Scottish Charity No. SC 006467
News
04 Peter Devlin
Reggae gets paw of approval
10 In court
Your Scottish SPCA Magazine.
Jail sentence for dog neglect
Peter Devlin
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 38p to print and post. If you donate £5 a month, that’s less than 1% of your annual donations.
12 Feature Glasgow officially reopens 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
•
RECEIVE YOUR MAGAZINE VIA EMAIL INSTEAD
Would you like to receive your magazine by email? It’s simple!
)
)@
Fill out and send us the form supplied with this magazine Email membership@scottishspca.org
Editor: Michelle Supple Design: 39steps Cover photo: Peter Devlin ISSN: 1360-8207
Please recycle this magazine
News.
•
Thanks to our supporters we can rescue animals from danger and distress. Your donations save lives and give animals a second chance.
scottishspca.org ) Animal Helpline 03000 999 999 CONTACT US ) /scottishspca ) @scottishspca )
Peter Devlin
Reggae gets paw of approval
Peter Devlin
This year we published new research in partnership with the University of Glasgow that shows dogs have their own unique tastes in music. The research, carried out by PhD student Amy Bowman, aimed to reduce habituation to the music played in the kennels. Dogs who had participated in the previous classical music research quickly showed they got used to tunes and the calming effect reduced rapidly. However, when provided with a mix of music, dogs stress levels could be reduced for a significantly longer period of time. Neil Evans, Professor of Integrative Physiology at the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine added, “Overall, the response to different genres was mixed
highlighting the possibility that like humans, our canine friends have their own individual music preferences, with reggae being the most popular.” Gilly Mendes Ferreira, Scottish SPCA Head of Education and Policy, said “At present both our Glasgow and Edinburgh centres are able to pipe music into their kennels, and in the future every centre will be able to offer our four footed friends a canine approved playlist, with the view to extending this research to other species in our care.”
04 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017
Scottish SPCA
News.
Zoe had a fantastic time at the centre on Sunday 5 February
Zoe Raynor found after national appeal
Scottish SPCA
Back in January we were sent a lovely package from a little girl called Zoe Raynor containing treats and toys for the dogs in our care. Unfortunately, there was no return address on the package so we couldn’t thank Zoe for her generous gift. Following a national hunt, we are pleased to say that we found Zoe and invited her and her family along to our animal rescue and rehoming centre in Balerno where she was given a special VIP tour by animal care assistant Emma. Edinburgh Centre Manager Diane Aitchison said, “Zoe had a fantastic time at the centre on Sunday 5 February. Dogs are her favourite animal so we made sure she had a chance to see some.
We had a mini Q&A session where Zoe asked lots of questions and was very curious about horses as she’s recently found a new love for horse riding! “She had a cuddle with Diamond, one of our cats in the centre and we made sure she got some goodies to take home as well.”
Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017 05
News.
Scottish SPCA
Slimming down at Glasgow
48.5kg but we were determined to get him healthy again. After he reached 37.5kg we were able to rehome him with his new forever family. “It wasn’t a quick journey, but we wanted to highlight to the public just how dangerous over feeding your dog can be. “We will still see Lloyd every month for a check up to make sure that he is keeping the weight off.”
Scottish SPCA
Lloyd, a very overweight brindle/white staffie cross, was looked after at our animal rescue and rehoming centre in Glasgow. His weight gain was down to a mixture of not getting enough exercise, being over fed and given human food as treats. We are delighted to say that Lloyd has lost over 10kg and found a new home! Assistant Manager Katrina Cavanagh said, “Lloyd came into our care at a whopping
The incredible journey
Scottish SPCA
We rescued a 12 week old kitten, named Psy, after she was found inside a truck engine, which had travelled over 80 miles from Dundee to Glasgow Airport in November. We were alerted by the driver of the truck when he discovered the kitten hiding in his engine after stopping. Psy originally fled the scene, but was later caught by some helpful members of the public who worked next door. Animal Rescue Officer Emma Bonner said, “We didn’t expect to catch her after she ran away as cats don’t usually return somewhere without it having meaning to them. We were
so pleased to get a call saying she was back! “Miraculously Psy was fine and was rehomed by our centre in Glasgow.”
06 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017
News.
Back in November, the team at our National Wildlife Centre in Fishcross cared for a lovely little shrew who was found orphaned in Gifford alongside his brother. We picked the pair up on Wednesday 2 November although sadly one later died. The 16 day old male shrew, named Hugh, was hand reared. Centre Manager Colin Seddon said, “One of our staff members, Nicola Turnbull, hand reared Hugh from the time he came in. “It was a very difficult task and takes a high degree of dedication but she did an amazing job. “He needed to be fed every two hours during the day and every three during the night.
Terrier found abandoned with broken foot
Scottish SPCA
Back in January we issued an appeal for information after a female terrier cross, who we named Opal, was found by a member of the public abandoned in Fraserburgh.
Scottish SPCA
Hugh the shrew
“The young shrew had only just opened his eyes when he came in and was able to start feeding himself on mealworms not long after. “Hugh became independent within ten days and was released back into the wild.”
Opal was malnourished with a number of other severe health issues. She is currently receiving treatment at our centre in Aberdeen for a severe skin infection and multiple broken bones in her foot. Senior Inspector Lesley Crockett who rescued Opal said, “She is such a lovely dog and has a great nature despite her condition. “Sadly she was in a lot of pain when she was brought in and had been suffering from this skin condition for quite some time. “Obviously someone has known Opal as a pet, and to choose to leave her in this manner is quite upsetting.” Thanks to centre staff, Opal is slowly recovering from her ordeal and she will be looking for her forever home in the near future.
Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017 07
News.
Otter cubs being cared for
Colin Seddon
Rescued otters Eddy and Stream are being cared for at our National Wildlife Centre in Fishcross. Centre Manager Colin Seddon said, “Eddy came to us as an eight week old cub having been found on a river bank near Denny calling for his mother. “As he has not had any siblings to play with a staff member has had to assume that role and play with him several times a day to prevent him becoming too distressed and bored. This enables him to develop naturally through play.” Colin continued, “Stream is an eight to ten week old otter cub who came into the centre after a concerned member of public noticed
her struggling with the high tides. She’s got a strong character and does not appreciate being handled. Once she is at the same stage as Eddy they will be put together and hopefully stay together until their release in Spring 2018.”
Doug and Eddie find their forever home
Scottish SPCA
Lurchers Doug and Eddie were rehomed earlier this year after becoming our longest canine residents. The duo were cared for at our centre in Inverness before meeting their forever family. Centre Manager Elaine Floyd said, “They are the best of friends, even curling up under the same blanket. “Although pairs of dogs are a bit more difficult to find homes for, poor Doug and Eddie had an exceptionally long wait which could have been down to Doug requiring medication for the rest of his life. “In an attempt to get them rehomed we moved their bed into our reception area which they loved as it meant they could
greet everybody who came through the door. “We are all over the moon to have found Doug and Eddie a new home and we wish them all best in the future. We’ll miss their lovely faces at the centre but I know they’ll be very happy with their new family.”
08 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017
Colin Seddon
News.
Snowy
Tyrion Colin Seddon
Seal of Thrones
Colin Seddon
Every year our wildlife centre in Fishcross expects to treat over 100 seal pups between October and March. This year it’s likely that we’ll be rescuing and rehabilitating more than ever. As you can imagine, naming them becomes quite difficult, but this year the staff had a trick up their sleeve. Our first seal of the year set the trend. Named Snowy, she was a female pup who came into our centre on the 27 of October from Newborough beach, Fife, at only a few
Little Finger
days old. Seal pups usually stay with their mother until they are three weeks old, so Snowy was in quite a poor state when she arrived in our care. After Snowy came Myrcella, Tyrion, Melisandre and more! At one point over 50 seals were being cared for by our wildlife staff, all of them named after the characters from the hit TV show Game of Thrones. Anyone concerned about a seal pup, including any who appear injured, are found on public beaches, or are spotted in unusual places such as non-breeding areas, should give us a call before approaching them. We are often contacted about seal pups that are healthy but have been abandoned by their mothers because someone has disturbed them.
)
If an animal is in danger or distress please call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017 09
In court. •
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.
REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY ) Animal Helpline 03000 999 999
Scottish SPCA
Scottish SPCA
Milo was so thin his bones were protruding through his coat
Jail sentence for dog neglect Michael Harris, 23, from Kelty, was handed a five month jail sentence and a five year ban at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on 14 December 2016. Harris pled guilty to section 24 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 by failing to ensure the welfare of his dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier named Milo. Harris failed to provide sufficient food and water and a suitable environment to protect the dog’s wellbeing. Commenting on the case, Inspector Nicola Liddell said, “Milo was emaciated with his ribs clearly visible and an exaggerated waistline. “He weighed just 14.1kg when a dog of his breed and stature should have been around 19kg. “There was a lack of muscle or fat over his body, and some muscle wastage over his shoulders and head. “Milo was so thin his bones were protruding through his coat.
“Upon entering the address, I was immediately hit by the overpowering smell of urine, faeces and rubbish. “I let Milo out of the cage where he had been secured for his safety so that I could examine him more closely and he headed straight to the rubbish to scavenge for anything that was edible. “Harris signed Milo over to the care of the Scottish SPCA where he received the TLC he deserved. “All pet owners have a responsibility to ensure their animals receive the correct care and veterinary attention they require. We believe that anyone who cannot provide this basic level of care should not be in charge of an animal. “We welcome the jail sentence and five year ban given to Harris and hope he will give serious consideration about his ability to care for any pets in the future.”
10 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017
Dog breeder given 15 year ban for neglect A Lanarkshire woman who failed to provide the necessary veterinary treatment or adequate nutrition for the 36 breeding dogs and puppies in her care has been given a 15 year ban following a Scottish SPCA investigation. Morag Jackson, 55 of Stonehouse had her appeal denied in February 2017 after being sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 11 August 2016. Commenting on the investigation and court case, Inspector Joanne Boyle said, “There were two wooden sheds with at least eight dogs, and a separate garage which housed nursing bitches with young puppies. “There was a West Highland terrier hidden away in a carrier who had a severe skin complaint and also had alopecia. She had no access to light, food or water. “The canines were being kept in disgusting conditions, the bedding was soaked with urine and there was a lot of faeces. “There was a lack of food and water available for the dogs, any water which was present appeared discoloured and littered with debris, it was completely inappropriate for any animal to be supplied with.
Scottish SPCA
In court.
“There was a West Highland terrier hidden away in a carrier who had a severe skin complaint and also had alopecia. She had no access to light, food or water.”
“The dogs had a series of health ailments which could have been easily treated with veterinary treatment. A number of the dogs had a lice infestation and bad skin conditions which would have been causing them a lot of pain and discomfort. “We welcome the fact that Jackson has been dealt with by the court and the sentence handed down. We hope she will give serious consideration about her suitability to care for other animals in the future.” Thankfully, the dogs have now received the proper treatment and have made a full recovery.
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.
Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017 11
Peter Devlin
Peter Devli n
This new rehoming and veterinary centre will ensure that the animals that come into their care continue to be well looked-after and comfortable until they find their ‘forever home’.
Feature.
On Wednesday 21 December First Minister Nicola Sturgeon officially opened the refurbished Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, formally known as Glasgow Dog & Cat Home. The £6 million extension of the rescue and rehoming centre in Cardonald houses the only two tiered kennel blocks in Scotland. A new state of the art veterinary clinic will also allow abused, abandoned and neglected animals in our care to receive routine and lifesaving procedures and operations on site. This impressive project was part funded by a generous legacy from the late Rikki and Kate Fulton who were huge animal lovers and supporters of the Society. Opening in 1908, the centre has served the city and the surrounding area for over one hundred years. The First Minister said, “The Scottish SPCA has a long and proud history of protecting and promoting the welfare of animals, and today I saw how much care and dedication goes into making animals feel settled while they await their new family. “The work that the staff do here to care for animals and promote animal welfare is admirable, and the Government is committed to helping with this by strengthening legislation in this area. “This new rehoming and veterinary centre will ensure that the animals that come into
Peter Devlin
Official opening of newly refurbished Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre
their care continue to be well looked after and comfortable until they find their ‘forever home’.” Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “We had limited space to build on and have developed an innovative solution. “The two tiered kennel blocks are the first of their kind in Scotland and has increased our kennel spaces from 99 to 150. “With our cattery units increasing from 28 to 48 and new accommodation for small animals and exotic pets, the centre is now able to care for up to 3,000 abused, abandoned and injured animals every year. “We have also made a significant investment in our veterinary facilities. “Thanks to the refurbishment we are now able to rescue and save the lives of more animals than ever before. That’s what we’re here for and why we need continuous public support.”
Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017 13
Feature.
MSP support for the fight against puppy trafficking undercover Special Investigations Unit and those involved with Operation Delphine, we are starting to see more convictions of those involved in the puppy trade. Scottish SPCA
We are spearheading a multi-agency fight against the ruthless, illegal puppy trade which is a multimillion pound industry. Under Operation Delphine, we are working alongside partner organisations including ISPCA, USPCA, DSPCA, RSPCA, HMRC Trading Standards, Stenaline, Police Scotland Port unit and APHA to try and put a stop to this cruel trade. Working together is testament to everyone’s commitment to tackling this growing problem. We are also extremely pleased to have MSP involvement from Emma Harper, who led a Members’ Business debate in December at Holyrood to highlight the practice of illegal puppy trafficking. MSP Emma Harper said, “The illegal farming and trafficking of puppies is an abhorrent breach of animal welfare and can also be linked to serious and organised crime. “I first became involved when I was approached by concerned constituents in Stranraer. The Scottish SPCA has been doing some excellent work which is resulting in the seizure of puppies and, ultimately, in prosecutions. I also want to pay tribute to Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Trading Standards staff; who have worked particularly closely and effectively with the Scottish SPCA to detect puppy trafficking at Cairnryan.” Thanks to the fantastic work of our
On 21 November 2016, Robert Brownlie received a lifelong ban from owning and keeping animals and a community pay back order of 240 hours unpaid work. In addition to this Brownlie was fined a total of £2,880 to be paid within four months. An undercover inspector stated that, “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the case especially with regards to the lifetime disqualification order. “It is rare that lifelong disqualifications are handed out. “This sentence sends out a strong message to anyone who is involved in the puppy trade that the courts are taking these activities seriously.”
14 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017
Peter Devlin
The Scottish SPCA has been doing some excellent work which is resulting in the seizure of puppies and, ultimately, in prosecutions.
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.org @scottishspca )
You can have fun, raise funds and help save lives! volunteers to come along and take part in any of our upcoming events.
Collection Dates: Rehoming Week
Monday 8 – Sunday 14 May 2017
Scottish Animal Week
Monday 4 – Sunday 10 September 2017
Pets at Home Halloween Collection
Friday 27 – Sunday 29 October 2017
Glasgow Street Collection
Friday 12 May 2017
Recycling Help raise funds for Scotland’s defenceless animals by recycling your unwanted laptops, tablets, jewellery, out of date or foreign bank notes, even cars! It’s such an easy way to make a difference.
16 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017
Herald and Times
Can you spare a couple of hours to help our furry friends? Collections are a fantastic way to raise vital funds as there is something for everyone to enjoy! We do not receive any government or lottery funding so we rely solely on kind supporters to continue to help us rescue and rehome abandoned, abused and injured animals in Scotland. Last year we managed to raise a fantastic £23,000 and this year we would like to smash this target but we can’t do it without your help. We would love to hear from enthusiastic
Fundraising.
Take part
Freefall 150ft down Glasgow’s Titan Crane and enjoy the spectacular views of the city skyline with the river Clyde beneath your feet! A team of highly skilled instructors will ensure you are equipped with all you need to make your abseil as enjoyable as possible. To take part in the event on Saturday 26 August 2017, we ask you to raise a minimum sponsorship of £150 along with a £26 deposit to secure your place. We are extremely proud of all our fundraisers who have previously taken part in this event, including Cheryl McLoughlan who managed to raise a brilliant £1,296! Cheryl said, “My husband and I rehomed a cat from our local Scottish SPCA centre. Sadly she had been abandoned in a park along with her mum and siblings. Her timid nature made both our hearts melt and we just had to take her home. “I had never taken part in anything like it before. I was terrified on the day but excited
Scottish SPCA
Titan Crane Abseil
too. That moment I had to climb over the side of the crane to my descent was pretty scary, but as soon as I got going I was loving it!” For more information please get in touch
)
)@ )
Call 03000 999 999 (option 4) Email fundraising@scottishspca.org Visit scottishspca.org/support
Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017 17
Legacy giving
Leave an everlasting legacy Every year we rescue and rehome thousands of injured, abandoned and abused animals. We receive no government or lottery funding and rely on public donations to continue our vital work. By leaving a gift in your Will, you can help save more animals from lives of misery and give them a second chance with people who will love and care for them. Leaving a gift in your will to the Scottish SPCA is an incredible way to help animals in Scotland.
Forever Care Have you considered who would care for your beloved pets if you weren’t around? The Scottish SPCA runs a free service called Forever Care. By using this service you’ll have peace of mind that we will look after your pet and find them a loving new home should they outlive you. Please be assured that the Scottish SPCA does not put healthy animals to sleep.
To receive free information on leaving a gift in your Will or Forever Care, please call 03000 999 999 (option 4) or email fundraising@scottishspca.org
18 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2017
Peter Devlin
Thank you for saving my life! Every year the Scottish SPCA rescues and finds new homes for thousands of defenceless animals – and we couldn’t do this without our fantastic supporters.
September 2017 WALK, JOG or RUN every day in September and raise funds for abused, abandoned and neglected animals in Scotland
Choose your distance and sign up today!
• fundraising@scottishspca.org • 03000 999 999 Scottish Charity No. SC 006467