Scottish SPCA issues urgent appeal after record rescues
Several rescued dogs were found to be heavily pregnant.
The Scottish SPCA has launched an urgent appeal for donations after it rescued 216 dogs in just ten days – possibly the largest intake in its 184-year history.
These numbers compare to 45 dogs rescued this time last year, marking a 380 per cent increase in rescued dogs.
The charity’s latest statistics are the result of multiple rescues of notable intakes of dogs across Scotland. Most of the dogs had been kept in poor conditions and some required veterinary treatment for dental disease, infected ears and severely matted fur.
Several dogs were also found to be heavily pregnant, later giving birth to litters of puppies. One litter of puppies needed bottle-feeding by the Scottish SPCA’s team.
The rescued dogs have been receiving healthcare at Scottish SPCA centres across Scotland, with local veterinary practices providing emergency response.
However, the high number of rescued animals is still resulting in challenges for the charity as it works to cover the costs of treatment as well as finding foster and permanent homes for the dogs.
The Scottish SPCA estimates that the accommodation alone is costing them £20 a day per dog. The overall cost of a dog’s treatment, including a health check, vaccinations and time in their care, can reach an estimated £1,223.80.
Jennie Macdonald, head of rehoming and fostering, said: “Our priority now is giving these dogs the care they desperately need and then eventually finding them new homes – we need foster homes for as many of the dogs as possible to help in the short term while we work to find their forever homes.
“Our fostering team are going above and beyond to get puppies out of the centres and into family homes for important socialisation.
“We urgently need donations to help us give these dogs the care they need, every contribution will make a difference to their recovery and their future. Together we can give these animals the second chance they deserve.”
If you are considering adopting an animal, visit the Scottish SPCA website. Or find out more about fostering here.
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Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).
