Latest news with #ScottishSPCA
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Daily Record
Scottish SPCA urge those who are struggling to care for their pet to reach out after dog abandoned in Livingston
An animal rescue officer recovered a frightened dog that had been abandoned by its owner cowering beside bushes in Livingston. In the distressing incident, a young Border Collie-type dog was discovered near Almondvale Stadium on Saturday, May 10. The police were alerted by a concerned member of the public, who arrived on the scene. However, they were unable to approach and secure the petrified dog and subsequently called in the Scottish SPCA. When the charity's Animal Rescue Officer arrived, they were met with a heartbreaking sight: the frightened male dog had been left behind with all his belongings, including his cage, bedding, and a bag of food. He had been dumped and left to fend for himself. It took time and gentle coaxing, but eventually the animal rescue officer gained the animal's trust and was able to secure him safely. The dog is now being cared for in the safety of one of the Scottish SPCA's animal rescue and rehoming centres. The animal charity is appealing to the public for information on the abandoned pet and advising owners who may feel unable to care for their pet to reach out. A Scottish SPCA inspector said: 'This is a stark and painful reminder that there is absolutely no excuse for abandoning an animal. There is help available, and abandonment should never be the answer. 'While the dog is microchipped, the details are outdated and no longer valid. He was left in an incredibly vulnerable state, both physically and emotionally. 'If anyone feels overwhelmed or unable to cope with their pet, we urge them to reach out. One call could mean the difference between safety and suffering.' If anyone recognises the abandoned dog him or know how he came to be left behind, they are asked to contact the Scottish SPCA's confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999. Last month The Scottish SPCA announced their community support is expanding further, with new community animal behaviour support and the launch of Pet Aid Community Hubs. The new hubs bring the charity's services and support into high streets and community centres across the country through 'pop up' events, where the public can get free health checks for their pets, access support for pet food, speak to an animal behaviourist, the adoption and fostering team, and more. Scottish SPCA's Head of Rehoming, Fostering & Community Engagement Jennie Macdonald said: 'We know that services like Pet Aid are providing a vital lifeline to thousands of people and their pets, and we are going much further in 2025 to bring this kind of early help and preventative support into communities across the country. 'No-one should have to choose between feeding themselves or their pet or struggling with their pets' health or behaviour because they are frightened about having to give up their much-loved companion. 'We can already see that our community services are better for animal welfare and better for local communities. Expanding our community services, reaching more animals and people than ever, is also the best use of our supporters' money – every penny we receive is donated by the public. "We are pleased to be bringing more of these services into communities this year to help keep more pets and people together where they belong.'
STV News
20-05-2025
- STV News
Pair banned from owning dogs after pets found in 'filthy and dangerous' home
A man and a woman have been banned from owning dogs after three pets were discovered living in 'filthy and dangerous' conditions. Anthony and Liz Conway, from Alexandria, have been disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for three years after causing three dogs 'significant mental and physical suffering'. The Scottish SPCA received a complaint from one of the couple's neighbours regarding a smell coming from the property. 'The complaint stated that there were possibly four dogs within the property, that one of the dogs had died and that the remaining dogs were never taken out of the property for exercise,' the SSPCA inspector said. Officers from the charity attended the property and were met by Anthony Conway, who said he was looking after the dogs at the property on behalf of their owner Liz-Anne Conway. Inside the property were three dogs living in 'filthy, hazardous and dangerous living conditions'. SSPCA Anthony and Liz Conway, from Alexandria, have been disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for three years. The dogs included a six-year-old female black French bulldog type dog called Raven as well as two one-year-old fawn cross French Bulldog/Bichon Frise type dogs – a male called Blitz and a female called Gypsy. 'On entering, there was a strong smell of urine and faeces. Opening the door to the kitchen three dogs ran out into the hallway. The kitchen floor was covered in dog urine and faeces,' they said. Officers said there was no clean space available for the dogs to stand or line down. 'A small dog cage contained a soiled blanket, and a plastic dog bed was being used to store a large bag of dog food. An empty water bowl sat on the floor. The kitchen was filled with an overpowering odour,' they added. Following the inspector, officers removed the dogs from property, and transported them to an SSPCA animal rescue centre for further treatment. A SSPCA vet found Raven to be suffering with inflamed and painful ears as well as being slightly underweight, and demonstrating a degree of pain in her back. The vet said Raven had endured 'significant pain and suffering' for at least two months due to her owners' failure to seek veterinary treatment. They added that Raven's condition would have been apparent to any reasonable person in the early stages of the disease. Blitz was found to be slightly underweight and had superficial scrapes on his nose and paw. Gypsy was found to have some scabbing on her head and superficial abrasions on the pads of her left hind paw. Additionally, the vet said confining the dogs to the kitchen, surrounded by accumulated faeces and without access to appropriate food, water, resting areas, or toileting opportunities, would have resulted in 'significant physical and psychological suffering' over a period of at least two weeks. SSPCA said suffering endured by all three dogs was 'unnecessary and avoidable'. Anthony Conway pled guilty to not providing their dog, Raven, with necessary veterinary treatment causing pain and unnecessary suffering over at least a two-month period. Liz Conway pled guilty to failing to provide a suitable living environment. Both were sentenced at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Monday, May 12, and also received a £250 fine with £20 victim surcharge. A spokesperson for the SSPCA said the charity was 'pleased' with the sentencing saying it recognised the severity of the pet's neglect. 'The suffering endured by all three dogs was both unnecessary and avoidable,' they said. 'Their basic needs -for a consistent diet, clean water, and, in Raven's case, timely veterinary care – were not met.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Young pup abandoned in West Lothian with all its belongings in heartbreaking sight
The Scottish SPCA are calling for struggling pet owners to reach out for help after a border collie type dog was found abandoned in Livingston. The terrified young pup was found cowering in the bushes near Almondvale Stadium by a concerned member of the public who immediately notified police who arrived to help but were unable to approach the distressed pooch. Officers called in the Scottish SPCA for help and were met with a heartbreaking sight. The dog had been left with all of his belongings. READ MORE: Exact date Edinburgh mini heatwave to come to an end as weather turns READ MORE: Edinburgh filmmaker warns 'we need to be honest about what's happening on schemes' A Scottish SPCA inspector said: 'This is a stark and painful reminder that there is absolutely no excuse for abandoning an animal. There is help available, and abandonment should never be the answer. 'While the dog is microchipped, the details are outdated and no longer valid. 'He was left in an incredibly vulnerable state, both physically and emotionally. 'If anyone feels overwhelmed or unable to cope with their pet, we urge them to reach out. One call could mean the difference between safety and suffering.' The charity is now appealing to the public for any information about the pup's abandonment. If you recognise him or know anything about how he came to be left behind, please contact the Scottish SPCA's confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999 . Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Edinburgh Reporter
17-05-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Hedgehog warning for gardeners
The Scottish SPCA's dedicated small mammal team is currently looking after 14 hedgehogs at its National Wildlife Centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire. But they warned the number 'is growing every day' as people take advantage of the warm weather to take on garden tasks. Jenna Lister, triage assistant at the charity's National Wildlife Centre, said: 'With the arrival of warmer weather, we often see an increase in injured hedgehogs being brought into the centre — many of them hurt during gardening activities. 'Strimmer injuries can be devastating, ranging from infected wounds to broken or missing limbs, and in some cases, can be fatal.' The West European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) has suffered a 30% population decline of in the past decade. Last year, its conservation status was raised from Least Concern to Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, meaning it has moved one step closer to extinction. Key factors driving the decline of Britain's only spiny mammal include habitat fragmentation from urbanisation and agricultural expansion, vehicle collisions, pesticide use and garden mismanagement. The Scottish SPCA cared for 89 hedgehogs in the first quarter of 2024, with 59 of the prickly mammals already finding refuge with the charity so far this year. The charity frequently admits hedgehogs found out during the day in poor condition, which is usually a sign they're unwell and in urgent need of specialist care and encourages people to employing wildlife-friendly garden management practices. These include leaving natural materials like leaves, logs and moss, which make ideal nesting spots for hedgehogs; removing hazards such as netting and plastic and creating safe spaces for the animals to explore. Gardeners are urged to check carefully before strimming, digging, or doing other work as hedgehogs often hide in undergrowth or leaf piles, and support the creatures by putting out shallow dishes of water and offering cat food or specially formulated hedgehog food — but never bread or milk. Anyone who comes across a nest should check for signs of injury but avoid disturbing it and gently cover it back up if all seems well. Anyone who finds a hedgehog showing signs of distress — such as lying on its side, wobbling, limping, or walking in circles, trapped in netting, drains, or holes – or showing visible injuries should call a wildlife rescue centre or the Scottish SPCA's animal helpline 03000 999 999. Photo by Pixabay on Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
New canine rescue centre is coming to Ayr after proposals are approved by council planners
Proposals have been approved for an extension and alterations to the base in Mainholm Road. The former Scottish SPCA base in Ayr will be turned into a new canine rescue centre, by a Dumfries-based charity group. Ayrshire Live can reveal how proposals have been approved for an extension and alterations to the base in Mainholm Road. Also included are plans for a new canine rescue centre, the formation of additional kennels and alterations to staff accommodation. Ayrshire Live told in August 2023 how the Scottish SPCA base was earmarked for closure as the charity sought to 'adapt' their service provision. That paved the way for Dumfries-based charity, Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre, to lodge proposals to take on the site and use the base to help rescue the region's unfortunate canines. The plans have now been approved under delegated powers. Agents in the proposals were Wham Architecture, who said: 'The premises were previously operated as the Scottish SPCA Ayr Rescue Centre which closed in October 2023. 'Our client intends to operate the premises as a canine rescue centre to complement their existing premises at Glencaple, near Dumfries. In addition to the animal shelter, the site also comprises a manager's dwellinghouse, garage/storage building and various smaller outbuildings.' The proposals include 'extensions and alterations' to the animal shelter to 'increase the size' of the nine existing kennels and to convert the small animal room into three additional kennels with 'associated external enclosures.' The extensions will be formed with facing brick to match the existing building and finished with a shallow-pitch roof to 'minimise the overall massing.' The external enclosures will be covered with a twin-walled polycarbonate to provide 'additional shelter.' The supporting statement adds: 'The proposals also include the subdivision of the dwellinghouse to form a rest area for the night shift duty manager. This comprises minor alterations to form a new bedroom, shower room and kitchen/living/dining space.' In approving the plans, subject to conditions, council papers said: 'The alterations and extension to the existing buildings are considered to represent modest changes to the existing rural business premises which has recently been acquired by a new owner, Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre. 'The proposals are sited within the greenbelt and scenic area, however, the proposals to the existing premises, which bring the vacant property back into use, are modest changes to the existing premises which are not considered to compromise the integrity of the greenbelt and will have a neutral impact on the character and visual amenity of the scenic area at this locality. 'Given the above and having balanced the rights of the applicant against the general interest, it is recommended that the application is approved.'
