Saving Animals in Scotland
Your Scottish SPCA magazine Autumn/Winter 2016
Rescued fawns bouncing back
Rhea of hope
Record number of exotics rescued
Life ban for cat neglect
Your donations are saving lives! 03000 999 999
scottishspca.org
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.
04 News
Colin Seddon
30 puppies seized at ferry port, stray rhea finally rescued, ducklings rescued from drain, possum found in pocket and much more!
10 In court
Your Scottish SPCA Magazine.
Convictions for dog and cat neglect
Scottish Government
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 New air gun legislation coming into force 18 Fundraising Help raise vital funds for Scotland’s animals
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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Editor: Michelle Supple Design: 39steps Cover photo: Colin Seddon ISSN: 1360-8207
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News.
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Colin Seddon
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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.
Colin Seddon
Rescued fawns bouncing back We rescued an adorable fawn found trapped in a fence in Aberdeenshire. Eight week old roe deer Soay was taken to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, where he was introduced to another two orphaned fawns. Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “Like all fawns orphaned at such a young age, Soay and the others needed a lot of one to one attention and had to be bottle-fed for a few weeks. “All three are doing really well and are getting along with one another.
“Once they were able to self-feed we took a more hands-off approach and this will continue until they’re ready to be returned to their natural habitat. “We’ll choose a carefully selected site where Soay and his companions will be able to integrate with an existing group of roe deer. “Fawns should always be left alone unless there are concerns for their welfare, just like in Soay’s case. “Our advice is to leave a fawn alone, unless it is showing signs of distress and calling out.”
04 Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2016
Scottish SPCA
News.
A total of 30 pups were rescued at Cairnryan Ferry Port in Dumfries and Galloway
30 puppies seized at ferry port
Scottish SPCA
We seized £25,000 worth of puppies as part of our on-going fight against the illegal dog trade industry. We are leading Operation Delphin, which is a partnership between a number of organisations and agencies, which targets the ruthless trade of puppies. A total of 30 pups were rescued at Cairnryan Ferry Port in Dumfries and Galloway as part of this operation and all pups were returned to Belfast where they were transferred to the ISPCA, who have appealed to find them new homes. An undercover inspector said, “Unfortunately the puppy trade is big business in Scotland, with thousands of dogs being brought into the country each year, from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in particular. “In this case, the puppies were being smuggled into Scotland to be sold on for
a huge profit. The breeds included shih tzus, bichon frise, cavalier king charles spaniels, cocker spaniels, pugs, cavachons and cockapoos, which can sell for around £800 each. “Thankfully, we were able to get these poor puppies signed over into the care of the ISPCA, who can now find them loving new homes.”
Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2016 05
News.
Stray rhea finally rescued “This was an example of partnership working between the Scottish SPCA, the Forestry Commission and helpful members of the public. “The rhea is now living happily at Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre.”
Scottish SPCA
We finally managed to catch a rhea that had been on the loose for a month! There were many attempts to trace and recapture the animal which had escaped, along with another rhea, from a small holding in Wilsontown. Inspector Heather Lawson said, “With the help of fellow officers, members of the public and the local farmers, we were able to keep the rhea confined long enough to construct a holding pen before being able to load him safely into a trailer. “The process was relatively straight forward and stress free and the rhea seems none the worse for its adventure.
A case of mistaken identity
Scottish SPCA
We responded to a report of a bird being stuck on a roof for a few days, only to find it was actually a shoe! Animal Rescue Officer Amy Robb said, “The caller thought that a bird had been falling down a school roof over the space of a few days and was worried it might fall off the edge. “I went to check on it and was surprised to find a black shoe instead! “I called the lady to let her know she had been mistaken and she was very apologetic and was relieved to hear that it wasn’t a bird in distress. “This job can be very tough as we deal with severely injured animals on a daily basis,
so it’s quite nice when something like this makes us smile. “Although incidents like these were false alarms, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and we’d encourage anyone with concerns about an animal to contact us.”
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News.
Abandoned dog finds loving new home
Scottish SPCA
A poor dog who was dumped in a van “We’re so glad this story has a happy outside the Albert Buildings in Bathgate has ending and wish Roxy all the best in her found happiness with a loving new owner. new life with her kind owner.” Roxy was dumped in a parked red Transit van by a male who was then seen going into the back seat of a gold Saab estate car. Inspector Alastair Adams said, “The vehicle drove off at high speed and after the gentleman who owns the van went to investigate, he discovered Roxy sitting in his front seat. “Sadly, we were never able to find the person who dumped this lovely girl in this way but she found a forever home with new owner Charlotte who fell in love with her instantly.
Possum found in pocket requirements as with all exotic pets. “Thankfully the feisty pet was reunited with its worried owner after they heard of this unusual story.”
Scottish SPCA
We were called to rescue a pet possum which jumped into a woman’s pocket in Edinburgh! The lady got a fright when the sugar glider made itself at home in her cardigan pocket. Animal Rescue Officer Steph Grant said, “The lady initially thought it was a chipmunk. “She had just got inside her stairwell when the sugar glider ran up her back and went inside her pocket and stayed there until I arrived, which was around 40 minutes later. “This was the first sugar glider we have rescued and it’s certainly a new one for me. “These animals are native to Australia but some people do keep them as pets in the UK and you don’t need a licence to do so, although they do have specialist care
Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2016 07
News.
Ducklings rescued from drain
Colin Seddon
Five lucky ducklings are recovering in our care after falling down a drain in Ellon. Animal Rescue Officer Hannah Gorrara said, “Some lovely children were able to show me the drain where the ducklings were swimming about at the bottom. “Thankfully, it wasn’t too big a drop but the ducklings looked completely shattered. “I think their mother must have lost them on the journey to a new home. “It is very sad that they are no longer with their mum but they are doing well in our care and receiving all the attention they need.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to release them back into the wild soon once they are fully fit and able to fend for themselves.”
California kingsnake found in cutlery drawer
Scottish SPCA
A terrified Edinburgh woman got the fright of her life when she found a California kingsnake in her cutlery drawer. The resident of Lindsay Road in Leith discovered the two foot long creature in her kitchen and called a friend for help before alerting us. Animal Rescue Officer Fiona Thorburn said, “The lady was just about to have her dinner and got a real fright when she reached into the drawer to grab cutlery and found Zak curled up on the knives and forks. “As she has a phobia of snakes, she called her friend for help to contain him.
“Zak is quite large for an escapee and it’s usually smaller snakes that can squeeze through pipework in flats. “However, all snakes can be really good escape artists and you never know where you might find one!”
08 Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2016
News.
The dedicated staff at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre hand reared two red squirrel siblings who were found orphaned in Elgin. Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “Ginger and Spice had scurried through a small puddle of antifreeze in a commercial garage and their tails and feet were soaked in the substance. “Thankfully, they had not ingested any of it as this is toxic to them and the member of the public who spotted them alerted us immediately. “Ginger and Spice were hand-reared with a special milk formula and are doing really well in our care.
Colin Seddon
Baby red squirrels rescued
“It won’t be long until they are strong enough to be moved to one of our outdoor enclosures before being released back into the wild.”
We rescued a poor cat that was abandoned in a cardboard box alongside a sign displaying the message ‘free cat’. She was discovered by a member of the public in Motherwell in a wet box and taken to our Lanarkshire centre. Centre manager Peter Fleming said, “Friday was inside a wet cardboard box that had the words ‘free cat’ and ‘I am a housecat’ written on it. “Friday is a beautiful girl who we think is around two years of age. She is in good condition and we just couldn’t understand why someone would abandon her like this. “Thankfully Friday found a loving new owner who will give her the life she deserves.”
Scottish SPCA
‘Free cat’ abandoned in Motherwell
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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 Autumn/Winter 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
Scottish SPCA
Snoop before
Snoop now
Conviction for dog neglect A Stirlingshire woman who did not provide adequate nutrition for her dog was banned from owning animals for 10 years following our investigation. Fiona Cuthill, 31, of Plean, pled guilty to failing to provide sufficient adequate nutrition for her dog Snoop. Commenting on the investigation and court case, Inspector Louise Seddon said, “Snoop was in an extremely thin condition and all his bones, especially his ribs and pelvic bones, were very prominent. “He was in a semi-collapsed state and was only able to stand with difficulty when lifted. “The vet’s findings were that Snoop was severely emaciated and seriously dehydrated. “He was immediately put on intravenous fluids and the vet was not sure whether he
would survive. “It was the vet’s view that, due to the level of dehydration, without water Snoop would likely have died within a few days, and with water death would have occurred within two weeks due to starvation. “Snoop remained at the vets on fluid therapy and received round the clock care and he gradually improved with simple, careful feeding. “When Snoop was admitted on 16 November 2015, his weight was recorded as 5.85kg and by 30 December this had increased to 9.2kg. By 13 May 2016 he was a healthy 14.2 kg, which is over double his original weight. “Snoop was rehomed to a lovely new owner where he now leads a very happy and healthy life.”
10 Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2016
In court.
Scottish SPCA
Stripe’s suffering due to his horrendous wound was entirely preventable and could easily have been avoided
Life ban for cat neglect A Shetland man was banned from keeping animals for life following our investigation. Michael Fraser, 54, of Voe, pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his cat named Stripe by failing to seek any pain relief and veterinary treatment for a heavily infected wound on the back of his neck. Commenting on the investigation and court case, Inspector Louise Sales said, “Fraser stated that he knew Stripe had a severe neck wound but didn’t believe he should be treated for his condition and that nature should be left to take its course. “He explained that the wound had started as a small flea bite on the back of Stripe’s neck and over the course of many months it had gradually become worse and more infected.
“When I asked Fraser why he had not taken Stripe to the vets to receive the treatment and pain relief he clearly needed, he replied that he did not believe in taking animals to a vet. “This was by far one of the worst cases I have seen. Stripe’s suffering due to his horrendous wound was entirely preventable and could easily have been avoided. “Sadly, Stripe’s wound was so badly infected and had been left for so long that the infection would not heal and a vet advised the kindest and only option was to put him to sleep to end his suffering. Had earlier vet treatment been sought this would not have happened. “I am pleased Fraser has been dealt with by the court and that he has received a life ban on keeping any animals.”
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 Autumn/Winter 2016 11
Scottish Government
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We welcome the Scottish Government’s licensing scheme, which will help ensure air weapons are only used responsibly and lawfully.
New air weapon legislation coming into force
“One of the worst cases that has stayed with me throughout the years is when a swan in West Lothian was shot in the head and neck 14 times. The female was brutally targeted along with her partner, who was found with four airgun pellets inside him. “Against all odds, both swans made a full recovery after being treated by vets and our expert wildlife rescue team and we were later able to release them back into the wild along with their cygnet who had remarkably escaped unharmed.
believe the new “ We legislation is a major
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No licence. No air gun. That’s the message to air weapon owners who will need firearms certificates for their weapons when new laws come into effect on 31 December 2016. People who own or use an air weapon will need to have a certificate in line with new legislation introduced under the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015. We recently joined forces with the Scottish Government to launch a campaign raising awareness of the new rules. Our Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn was joined by Elaine Boyle of Renfrew, whose beloved cat named Fizz had to have one of her back legs removed after being cruelly targeted with an airgun. Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “We welcome the Scottish Government’s licensing scheme, which will help ensure air weapons are only used responsibly and lawfully. “Disturbingly, some people seem to think it is fun to maim and kill defenceless animals with air weapons and this is completely unacceptable in a modern, civilised society. “Wild animals and cats are the most common victims of air weapons and we receive over 100 reports of animals being targeted each year, with many of these attacks taking place in highly populated, residential areas.
Scottish SPCA
Feature.
step forward for animal welfare in Scotland.
“It is appalling that animals are being targeted and caused such pain and suffering. We believe the new legislation is a major step forward for animal welfare in Scotland, which sends out a strong message that mindless acts of violence using air weapons will not be tolerated.” Anyone found guilty of committing an offence under the new laws, including not having a licence, could face a fine or, in some cases, imprisonment of up to two years.
Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2016 13
Feature.
Record number of exotics rescued We have seen a 74% increase in the number of exotic pets rescued over the last five years. Our animal rescue and rehoming centres took in 265 reptiles last year including snakes, terrapins and lizards, a huge leap from the 152 cared for in 2010. Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “We care for a range of exotic animals at our rescue centres throughout Scotland and we are hoping to raise awareness of this and encourage people to offer them permanent homes. “Lots of people know we rescue and rehome cats, dogs and other more traditional pets but many might be surprised to learn about our more unusual creatures. “Unfortunately we don’t receive as many enquiries about our exotic residents. With our snakes especially, a lot of people are put off by their appearance but we know there are plenty of reptile enthusiasts out there who would appreciate them for the stunning creatures they are. “Last year we took in over 100 snakes. They are good escape artists which are often found straying and in many cases
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their owners never come forward for them. “The most common type we rescue is the corn snake but we also have other breeds of snakes looking for homes such as pythons, king snakes and milk snakes. “Sadly we have seven snakes in the care of our centre in Edinburgh who have been with us for a combined total of over 7,000 days and it seems like they will never find the new homes they deserve. “Our terrapins are amongst the most challenging of our rescued creatures to find homes for. We took in 95 last year and have many waiting to find suitable homes. “We also regularly take in bearded dragons and other types of lizard and we currently have several bearded dragons, an iguana and a leopard gecko all looking for new owners. “Our rehoming teams would be so pleased to hear from anyone who is sure they have the time, knowledge and resources to offer one of our exotics a fresh start.”
Anyone who can offer an exotic creature a new home can visit our website or call their local centre on 03000 999 999. Peter Devlin
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We care for a range of exotic animals at our rescue centres throughout Scotland
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Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2016 15
Feature.
Peter Devlin
Petplan
At the Scottish SPCA, we believe that pet insurance is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. That’s why every dog, cat and rabbit we rehome receives 4 weeks’ free insurance from Petplan® to give them the best start in their new life. In 2015, Petplan® paid out over £520,000 in claims to Scottish SPCA supporters, ensuring that their beloved pets could receive the best treatment possible and get back on their paws as quickly as possible.
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Feature.
As a Scottish SPCA supporter, you can receive 4 weeks’ free Petplan® insurance.
Covered For Life® Petplan® offer a range of different cover options, including their signature Covered For Life® policies. These policies provide cover for ongoing conditions throughout the duration of your pet’s life, as long as the policy is renewed each year, without a break in cover. Petplan® will also cover your Scottish SPCA rehomed pet for lifelong conditions regardless of their age, when continuing your 4 weeks’ free insurance.
Many pets rehomed from a Scottish SPCA centre have benefitted from Covered For Life® . In 2015, Petplan® paid over £2,000 to help cover the cost of a dog’s cruciate ligament injury. With Covered For Life® , when further cruciate ligament treatment was required the following year, Petplan® again paid out over £2,000. Cruciate ligament damage is one of the top 5 common health problems for dogs, based on the number of Petplan® claims received in 2015. To find out more, please visit www.petplan.co.uk/top5.
Exclusive Offers As a Scottish SPCA supporter, you can receive 4 weeks’ free Petplan® insurance. For every full policy purchased, Petplan® will give 10% of your policy premium to the Scottish SPCA and a further 10% each year the policy is renewed. As a result, since the start of our partnership in 2008,
Covered For Life® policies provide ongoing cover for the pet’s whole life providing the policy is renewed each year. Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited who administer the cover and Allianz Insurance plc who provide and underwrite the cover. Scottish SPCA is an Appointed Representative of Pet Plan Limited and is not part of the Allianz (UK) Group.
we have received over £270,000. This has been vital in helping us continue our work rescuing and rehoming Scotland’s abused, abandoned and injured animals. To claim your 4 weeks’ free Petplan® insurance, please contact Petplan on 0330 100 9719, quoting reference SSPCAEN.
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For more information Call 0330 100 9719 and quoting reference SSPCAEN Visit scottishspca.org/petplan
Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2016 17
Fundraising.
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CONTACT US
/scottishspca
scottishspca.org @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.
Highland Fling
In April, May and September over 60 adrenaline seekers took part in a bungee jump in the scenic location of Killiecrankie and the towering Titan Crane in Glasgow. Victoria Biggs from Motherwell said, “I am terrified of heights and knew my friends and family would sponsor me as this is totally out of my comfort zone. All in all I raised over £900 - and the bungee jump was an added bonus as I totally loved it on the day!” If you’re up for the challenge we are seeking jumpers to help raise much needed funds in 2017 by taking the plunge at our Highland Fling bungee jump at Killiecrankie in April and Titan Crane in Glasgow in May 2017.
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Gillian Swann
Gillian Swann, a brave animal lover from Dundee, raised over £1,000 by abseiling 165ft down the Forth Rail Bridge in June and skydiving from 10,000ft in August! Gillian, 27, decided to raise vital funds after volunteering at the Scottish SPCA’s rescue centre in Dundee. Gillian said, “My rescue dogs Sara and Sasha were adopted as puppies and if it wasn’t for the Scottish SPCA who knows what could have happened to them.”
Falkirk Wheel
New events for 2017 Take the plunge to raise funds!
Fundraising.
Falkirk Wheel Abseil 22 April 2017
Scottish SPCA
Join us and enjoy the view from the spectacular Falkirk Wheel as you abseil 100ft down Scotland’s iconic boat lift!
Titan Crane Abseil 26 August 2017 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 safe and enjoyable as possible. To take part in either of these events we ask you to raise a minimum sponsorship of £150 along with a £26 deposit to secure your place.
Sign up today and do something incredible for Scotland’s animals!
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For more information please get in touch
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Email fundraising@scottishspca.org
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Call 03000 999 999 (option 4) Visit scottishspca.org/events
Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2016 19
Corporate.
Give a Helping Hand
The kind staff from ASCO have been fundraising throughout 2016 by organising many events including bake sales, 5k and 10k runs, a Family Fun Day and a Ladies’ Day with afternoon tea and entertainment. Cat Downs, Training Administrator at ASCO, even took part in the Great Scottish Swim in August to help the team reach their incredible fundraising target of £15,000. The support doesn’t stop there, ASCO’s charity Lifestyle Team generously donated their time to paint the stables at our Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre. Graeme Innes, manager of the Aberdeenshire centre, said, “The team from ASCO have done a fantastic job and we all really appreciate the time that
lack of corporate “ The support they receive really astounded us, making it
hugely important to our staff that we push our fundraising target and try to get the word out about the Scottish SPCA’s efforts - our staff are committed to this and we are incredibly proud of them.
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Sam Begg
they gave up to assist us. One day’s assistance like that can save my staff about a week’s work. The only problem I have now is that the stable staff don’t want to put any horses in there because it looks so clean and fresh!” Sam Begg, ASCO Lifestyle Team said, “Our staff are passionate about supporting local animal causes and they jumped at the chance to support the Scottish SPCA this year. The incredible work carried out daily by their team, from fundraisers to centre staff, is outstanding. ”
We are always grateful to receive help and support from organisations who wish to give up their time to volunteer, fundraise or simply donate. There are also many fantastic opportunities to sponsor areas of our work. Please contact fundraising@scottishspca.org for further information.
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Sponsor a Space: the perfect gift! You can Sponsor a Space at our rescue centres, from dog kennels, cat, bird and hedgehog units, to horse stables, small animal and rabbit enclosures and seal pens. Your sponsorship will last for a full year and will help pay for the food and veterinary treatment of the animals cared for in the space you have chosen.
Dog kennel £95
Cat unit £65
Horse stable £135
Hedgehog unit £30
Rabbit enclosure £45
Seal pen £100
We’ll send you a certificate of thanks, window sticker and an update letter along with a photo of one of the animals your sponsorship has helped. If you Sponsor a Space as a gift you’ll also receive a special gift card.
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Small animal enclosure £40
Bird unit £70
FOR MORE INFORMATION Call 03000 999 999 (option 4) Visit scottishspca.org/sponsor
Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2016 21
Feature.
You can keep up to date with the
Scottish SPCA online Follow us on social media to find out more about our work. We have lots of happy rehoming stories to share, as well as vital information appeals that we need your help with. You can also find out more about the excellent work being done by our dedicated fundraisers and read about the latest events you can sign up for.
facebook.com/scottishspca twitter.com/scottishspca youtube.com/scottishspca instagram.com/official_scottishspca ScottishSPCA
follow us 22 Saving Animals in Scotland Autumn/Winter 2016
LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL
YOU CAN HELP SCOTLAND’S ANIMALS 03000 999 999
scottishspca.org/wills