Scottish SPCA Magazine Spring/Summer 2016

Saving Animals in Scotland

Your Scottish SPCA magazine Spring/Summer 2016

Blind dog has sight restored

Oil rig owl rescued

Minnie’s miracle

Giant rabbit causes stir

Your donations are saving lives!

03000 999 999

scottishspca.org

It’s not just dogs and cats we rehome!

Please visit scottishspca.org/rehoming today!

Colin Seddon

04 News Oil rig owl airlifted to safety, blind dog has sight restored, giant rabbit causes stir, snake slithers into bank, rehomed staffie becomes internet sensation and much more!

10 In court

Your Scottish SPCA Magazine.

Jail sentence for dog neglect and conviction for owner of 69 cats

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.

14 Feature Winning hearts and minds with our groundbreaking education programme 16 Events Help Scotland’s animals by taking part in a sponsored challenge or collection event

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

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Photos: Peter Devlin

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Thanks to our supporters we can rescue animals from danger and distress. Your donations save lives and give animals a second chance.

Blind Jack given gift of sight A one year old blind Jack Russell has had his sight restored thanks to our kind supporters.

Jack was diagnosed with cataracts shortly after he was born and we took him in as his owner felt they could not give him the special care he needed.

Brave Jack underwent a successful operation at the University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine to remove the cataracts, costing £3,000, and has been recovering at our centre in Dumbarton.

Centre manager Joe McDade said, “Jack is an absolutely wonderful little dog who puts a smile on the face of everyone he meets.

“He is such a sweet boy who has even been described as an angel by our staff.

“Jack’s operation was a great success and his recovery has gone really well. He will soon be ready to leave for his new home.

“We wish to thank each and every person who kindly donated towards Jack’s operation.

Thanks to them we have been able to change this little lad’s life for the better.”

04 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016

News.

Scottish SPCA

Atlas with new owner Jen Hislop.

Giant rabbit offered new home by hundreds of bunny lovers When we issued a plea to find a new home for a dog-sized rabbit we had no idea it would create such a stir!

We took in the seven month old continental giant rabbit named Atlas when his owner could no longer look after him and appealed for an experienced owner to offer him a fresh start.

Centre manager Anna O’Donnell said, “We were overwhelmed by the response and had hundreds of calls and emails from people as far afield as America and Canada desperate to rehome Atlas.

“He even appeared on ITV’s This Morning via media link and was mentioned on television and radio shows all over the world.

“While it’s fantastic that so many people wanted to offer Atlas a loving home, we were keen to find him one here in Scotland to avoid a long journey as rabbits are very susceptible to stress.

“After going through the rather tall pile of applications, we decided to rehome Atlas to Jen Hislop from Ayrshire, who has owned giant rabbits before.

“We hope some of the people in Scotland who applied to rehome Atlas but were unsuccessful will consider one of our other rescue rabbits as we have so many hoping for a second chance.”

Jen said, “Animals are just pets to some people but my rabbits are family members.

“Atlas is an absolute hoot and doesn’t stop running around unless he’s crashed out on his massive beanbag.

“I’ve decided to change his name to Atilla the Bun Binky Master Jazz Paws, but I think we’ll call him Atty for short!”

Last year we rehomed over 6,000 animals to loving new homes

Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016 05

News.

We rescued a tortoise after she was discovered on a golf course in Cumbernauld.

A member of the public came across the tortoise, who we named Ariana, while playing on the Westerwood golf course.

Animal Rescue Officer Emma Sergeant said, “The golfer was driving his golf buggy and nearly ran over an object that wasn’t moving.

“He kindly took Ariana to his house where he placed her next to a radiator and it wasn’t long before she was walking around his living room.

“There aren’t any houses nearby where she was found, so she must have travelled a

Scottish SPCA

Tortoise found on golf course

fair bit before becoming too exhausted to continue.

“As Ariana’s previous owner didn’t come forward, we found her a loving forever home.”

Peter Devlin

Minnie’s miracle

A puppy left to die in a cardboard box has found a new home after stealing the heart of the Scottish SPCA officer who rescued her.

The dog, named Minnie, was discovered on the brink of death at a layby in Falkirk.

Animal Rescue Officer Kirsty McQuade rushed Minnie to a vets for emergency treatment and fell in love with the tiny pup.

After making a full recovery, Minnie now lives with Kirsty, her partner Kevin Mitchell and their dog Disco.

Kirsty said, “It’s a miracle Minnie is still with us as she was so poorly when she was found. She was so weak she couldn’t even lift her head.

“However, brave Minnie was showing signs of improvement after only a few days and is now like a different wee dog. She is absolutely wild and is doing great.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about Minnie after rescuing her and I’m so pleased I’ve been able to give her the loving home she deserves.

“Thankfully Minnie’s story has a very happy ending and she now has a forever home where she will be loved and taken care of for the rest of her life.”

06 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016

News.

We rescued a lizard who hitched a ride from Florida to Aberdeen in a suitcase!

Siouxsie Mackenzie and family discovered the brown anole lizard in their home when they were unpacking from a recent holiday and nicknamed him Flo Rida.

Siouxsie said, “I was emptying the cases and preparing to do a washing when I spotted the lizard sitting on the bathroom floor. He is quite cute looking and didn’t scare us.”

Flo Rida was offered a new home by Nick Martin, who runs an exotic animal rescue

Scottish SPCA

Mysterious case of ‘hitchhiking’ lizard

charity in Inverness and has the knowledge and experience to provide him with proper care and a suitable environment.

We rescued a two week old gannet chick found stranded at the Bass Rock near North Berwick.

The young gannet was reared at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross until he was ready to be released.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “The chick was stranded on the rocks as it was very young and couldn’t fly.

“It’s likely it was knocked out of its nest on the Bass Rock, which is home to over 150,000 gannets.

“The chick was hand fed for around a month until it was able to fly and then we took it back to North Berwick to be released.”

Colin Seddon

Gannet chick rescued

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If an animal is in danger or distress please call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016 07

News.

We were called to rescue a snake who shocked workers by slithering into a branch of Nationwide.

Animal Rescue Officer Melissa Maitland said, “Banksy was found in a storage area behind a filing cabinet by two staff members. They were initially very worried as they didn’t know what kind of snake he was.

“Snakes are good escape artists so we think he may have strayed from an area close by. We are regularly called out to rescue snakes, particularly corn snakes, as they are very popular pets who seem to be

Scottish SPCA

Staff shocked after snake slithers into bank

excellent at breaking out of their vivariums.

“Banksy is really friendly and has clearly been well handled but no-one ever came forward for him so he is now looking for a new home.”

Kai the dog has inspired his new owner Ian to run the London Marathon in aid of the Scottish SPCA. The adorable shar-pei became a global celebrity after he was left at Ayr train station with a suitcase full of his belongings in January 2015.

Kai was given a new home by Ian Russell, 53, from Newton Mearns, and is now helping him train for the gruelling marathon.

Ian said, “Raising funds for the Scottish SPCA is what it’s all about. I was lucky enough to rehome Kai and really want to give something back.

“Kai loves coming out running with me when I train and it’s a piece of cake to him as he’s so young and fit.

Peter Devlin

Kai helps Ian train for London Marathon

“It’s been a really quick year and we have bonded more and more as the months have rolled on.

“He comes to work with me every day and has a wee face he pulls if he thinks I’m going out without him, like when I’m putting on my aftershave!”

08 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016

News.

Colin Seddon

Oil rig owl airlifted to safety An owl airlifted to safety by helicopter after crash landing on an offshore platform in the North Sea has been released back into the wild.

The bird was flown to Aberdeen along with crew who were returning to the mainland and taken to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “After this owl was rescued we took in a further five who were also found on North Sea oil rigs. To have so many owls in such a short space of time was unusual.

“These owls quite likely flew over from Scandinavia, Russia or Iceland to spend the winter in Scotland. Most were merely exhausted, which could be due to high winds and stormy conditions.

“We released the owls on the East Coast near Dundee once they were fit enough to fly again.”

Scottish SPCA staffie becomes internet sensation!

Kerrigan Renniegade

One of our rescue dogs has become an internet sensation after a video of him greeting his owner went viral.

Patch the staffie was rehomed from our Lanarkshire centre in May last year by Kerrigan Renniegade and Mark O’Neill and has a really special and strong bond with them.

When Mark had to go away for a week, Patch was lost without him and Kerrigan decided to capture the moment they were reunited on film.

The video has now had over 20 million views across the world.

Kerrigan said, “We are on cloud nine and can’t believe the feedback the video is getting!

“We have to change the stigma attached to Patch’s breed.

“Thank you so much to everyone at the Lanarkshire centre for caring for Patch until we rescued him.

“Everyone did a wonderful job and we are so happy our family is complete. You will never know how much he means to us.”

Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016 09

In court.

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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

Conviction for woman who kept 69 cats in house

Scottish SPCA

There was an overpowering smell of ammonia within the property and it was covered in rubbish, cat faeces and urine.

ammonia within the property and it was covered in rubbish, cat faeces and urine.

“The cats ranged from three months old A woman who kept 69 cats in her to 16 years and we removed them all to home has been convicted following our secure their welfare. investigation.

“Although they were in reasonable Angela Guthrie, 54, of Paisley, pled guilty condition, they were un-socialised and to failing to ensure the needs of 69 male appeared frightened and anxious. and female cats. She was fined £320 and “All the cats were taken into our care banned from keeping more than one cat and looked after until they could be found for a period of four years. loving new homes.

Commenting on the investigation and “We are pleased Guthrie has been court case, Inspector Jennifer Connolly dealt with by the court and hope she will said, “The cats’ living conditions were seriously consider her suitability to care for awful. There was an overpowering smell of any more cats in the future.”

10 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016

In court.

Scottish SPCA

A vet found Tyson had a skull fracture and deep tissue damage, which was causing him a great deal of pain.

Jail sentence for dog neglect An Airdrie man who did not have his dog treated for a serious head wound has been jailed for six months and banned from owning animals for 10 years following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

Paul Cairns, 48, pled guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment for his Staffordshire bull terrier crossbreed named Tyson.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “When our inspectors arrived Tyson had a large, deep cut above his left eye.

“A vet found Tyson had a skull fracture and deep tissue damage, which was causing him a great deal of pain.

“Although it was not possible to establish the cause of Tyson’s injuries or the person responsible, it was clear Cairns should have ensured Tyson received immediate veterinary treatment.

“We are pleased that this serious case of neglect has been rightly recognised by the court with a strong sentence.

“Sadly, although Tyson was recovering from his injury and we had hoped to find him a new home, a vet advised he had to be put to sleep due to an unrelated longterm medical condition.”

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 2016 11

Feature.

Little auks and otter cubs left orphaned as a result of recent severe weather and flooding Photos: Colin Seddon

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Feature.

Little auks and otters take wildlife rescue centre by storm

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ur National Wildlife Rescue Centre was kept very busy this winter with the many otters and birds taken into its care as a result of the recent storms.

The dedicated team at our centre in Fishcross cared for a number of little auks and otter cubs left orphaned by the severe weather and flooding.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “We have had a busy time of it lately with 135 little auks and 21 otter cubs arriving in our care.

“It is not uncommon for little auks to be found in the North Sea over winter as they breed in Arctic areas such as Greenland and Iceland but it is unusual for us to see so many up close.

“They had been blown inland during the storms and were landing in areas up and down the country, predominately along the East Coast.

“Sadly, many of the little auks didn’t pull through as they were so weak and thin and their species do not thrive well in captivity.

“This was also a very hazardous time for young otters as they can easily be washed out of their holts by high rivers and at that

“We have had a busy time of it lately with 135 little auks and 21 otter cubs arriving in our care.” age they are not accomplished swimmers.

If separated from their mothers, they may well perish.

“Buddy the 10 week old cub was found crying on the back doorstep of a house in Kirkcudbright and Elfie the eight week old cub was discovered on Christmas Day at Cameron Reservoir in Fife after they both lost their mothers.

“We introduced them to our other young cubs, Ebb, Tide and Wave, who were also left orphaned due to floods and they have been learning from each other.

“They will stay with us for around a year until they are old enough to fend for themselves in the wild.”

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If wildlife is in danger or distress please call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016 13

Feature.

Winning hearts and minds - the incredible impact of our groundbreaking education programme

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has been steadily decreasing since the introduction of our programme.

“Since 2010 there has been a 27% reduction in children reported as being involved in cruelty to animals.

“We have also made a significant impact on awareness of animal welfare issues among Scottish school children and this is

“By winning hearts and minds we believe we can make a real difference and encourage future generations to treat animals with the care and respect they deserve.” demonstrated in the growing number of calls received from adults who were alerted by children to animals in need of our help.

Since 2010 there has been a 460% increase in children reporting animals in danger.

These calls saved injured wildlife and helped rescue animals from neglect.

“Our substantial investment in education will save lives and help build a better Scotland for animals and animal welfare.

“There is also a further benefit for society at large as while animal welfare is always the Scottish SPCA’s concern and

14 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016

Peter Devlin

n 2010 we launched our groundbreaking free Prevention through Education programme for Scottish schools and we are thrilled recent figures show we are making a real difference.

Last year our inspectors, animal rescue officers and education officers spoke to over 320,000 children, which is more than ever before.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Our workshops help children develop an understanding of animal welfare issues and how the Scottish SPCA helps animals in Scotland.

“We also teach children that they can play an active role in promoting and improving the lives of animals in their community.

“By winning hearts and minds we believe we can make a real difference and encourage future generations to treat animals with the care and respect they deserve.

“It is very reassuring to know that the numbers of reports of children being cruel towards animals is tiny in comparison to the total number of calls we receive to our animal helpline each year.

“Nonetheless, any incident where a child is reportedly harming an animal is concerning and we welcome the fact this

Feature.

priority, the evidence linking aggression towards animals at an early age and violence towards humans later in life is well documented.

“Prevention is at the very heart of our work and our vision is of a Scotland where everyone is kind to animals and looks after their welfare.”

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Did you know...

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Last year we spoke with over 320,000 children

Since 2010 there has been a 460% increase in children reporting animals in danger

...and a 27% reduction in children reported as being involved in cruelty to animals

Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016 15

Events.

Did you know that the Scottish SPCA doesn’t receive any government or lottery funding? This means that we rely on kind donations from members of the public to continue our vital work.

In 2015 we managed to raise over £20,000 through our collection events.

These ranged from street collections to supermarket and store collections throughout Scotland.

Scottish SPCA

Take part in a collection and help raise funds!

This year, we’re hoping to do even better, but we need your help! Can you spare a few hours to ‘shake a bucket’ at your local high street or supermarket?

We would love to hear from enthusiastic animal lovers who would like to volunteer at any of the below events.

Here are some of the dates of our upcoming collections:

Glasgow Evening Times

• Rehoming Week • Scottish Animal Week • Pets at Home collections

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• Dundee • Aberdeen • Glasgow • Edinburgh • Stirling • Glasgow

Friday 8th April 2016 Thursday 21st April 2016 Friday 20th May 2016 Friday 24th June 2016 Friday 1st July 2016 Friday 9th December 2016

Monday 2nd – Sunday 8th May 2016 Monday 5th – Sunday 11th September 2016 Friday 28th – Sunday 30th October 2016

For more information please get in touch Call 03000 999 999 (option 4)

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Email fundraising@scottishspca.org

16 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016

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Visit scottishspca.org/events

Events.

Do you have your own idea for a collection?

ion rkplace Collect Leeah Cook’s Wo

Leeah Cook recently organised a collection at her workplace in Waverley Station to raise funds for Scotland’s animals.

She said, “I have witnessed myself the lengths the Scottish SPCA staff go to when trying to help suffering animals and that’s why I am always happy to help fundraise whenever I can. It’s a very important and rewarding cause!”

“I find in general people love animals and it’s a lovely thing when people come together in the community to help ease the suffering of Scotland’s animals. It’s heartwarming to see people give so generously.”

Or do you want to do something a little different?

Liam Law and his friends from their group XtremeWalkies have just finished their third year of fundraising for the Scottish SPCA. After completing Ben Nevis in year one and the 24 hour three peaks challenge in year two, this group of brave walkers have managed to bag the 10 highest mountains in Scotland in one go without rest!

We are incredibly proud of the group, who undertook this amazing challenge in 31 hours 51 minutes, raising a whopping £1,330.69.

Liam said, “If you have a passion for helping others, just think of any challenge you could do, no matter how big or small.

We really hope that seeing four daft guys

Liam Law’s Mounta in Challenge

from a wee town in Scotland can be a catalyst to inspire anyone to take on a challenge. Plan it, prep it, do it!”

Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016 17

Make 2016 memorable!

We have skydives on-going throughout the year

Pedal for Scotland

Charity spaces available for Loch Ness Marathon

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Bungee jump at either Killiecrankie or Titan Crane

Abseil off the Forth Rail Bridge

Get active, feel good and have fun this year by taking part in one of our exciting sponsored events.

From abseils, skydives and bungee jumps to marathons, walks and cycles, we

have the challenge for you. Now is your chance to make a difference to the lives of Scotland’s animals!

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18 Saving Animals in Scotland Spring/Summer 2016

For more information Visit scottishspca.org/events

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.

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