More than 7,500 North East callouts for Scottish SPCA last year

Scottish SPCA officers in Aberdeen city and shire were called out to more than 7,500 incidents last year, after calls were made to the charity’s animal helpline.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “While Scotland is a nation of animals lovers, unfortunately there are some who still abuse and neglect animals.”

The charity has hailed its ground-breaking education programme as the way forward. Flynn continued, “We firmly believe that education is the key to preventing cruelty and we are encouraged by the continued success of our Prevention through Education programme for primary schools, which reached over 23,000 children in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire areas.

“Our inspectors and animal rescue officers also go above and beyond in communities throughout the country, working with members of the public, giving advice, providing support and offering assistance where possible.”

Scotland’s animal welfare charity also reported that they cared for over 2,000 animals at their Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre Manager Graeme Innes said, “Last year we found wonderful new homes for over 600 animals from our centre here in Aberdeen, but there’s always more we can do to raise awareness of the number of rescue animals in our care.

“Many of the animals were rescued from lives of abuse or neglect and some were even discarded like rubbish when their owners decided they no longer wanted to look after them.

“It’s heartbreaking to think about but people can help by giving one of these pets a second chance or spreading the word to friends and family.

"This year we hope to find homes for even more animals and we would certainly encourage anyone thinking of taking on a pet to check out our website or visit our Aberdeenshire centre."