National animal charity records another busy year

Animal Rescue Officers attended 25,771 and Inspectors attended 1463 wildlife incidents. In addition, 4412 animals arrived at the charity’s National Wildlife Centre at Fishcross for specialist care, 2121 of which were released back into the wild.

On top of daily work attending wildlife incidents and tending to the dogs and cats, rodents and reptiles who in need of help, the charity has also been busy launching its new manifesto.

This is part of its wider advocacy work, campaigning for an animal offenders register, animal welfare to be brought into the Scottish curriculum, a review of the current Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and the introduction of a ‘permitted list’ of animals which can legally be kept as pets.

Hard work has also been carried out on the Pet Aid initiative, which has food banks in Kirriemuir and Dundee, aims to ensure no pet owners are priced out of food and vet care.

A spokesperson said: “Our Pet Aid Food Bank team delivered 82,137 meals to pets across the country and supported 60 food banks overall. Our Community Advice Hubs have been well-attended across the country, with an overarching mission of ensuring owners and their pets stay healthy and safe.

"The Hubs offer a lifeline and accessible support to people where it’s needed – right in the heart of their community. Over 200 people have attended Hubs across Scotland this year. We have put a focus on prevention in 2025, working towards keeping owners and their animals together.

“This year, we also hit a massive milestone of surpassing one thousand animals who have benefitted from our Pet Aid Vet service. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and of the team who made it possible, however we know that the hard work doesn’t stop here.”

New homes were found for 3913 animals, including some rescued from the most traumatising circumstances; 691 animals were also fostered. From proactively tackling prolific puppy breeders and dealers who are putting profit over welfare to working with Police Scotland, frontline staff have been operating round the clock to save innocent animals from criminal owners. Investigations have led to people being banned from owning animals and jailed for crimes towards animals.

The Scottish SPCA is continuing to work with MSPs and committees as key decisions progress through the Scottish Parliament, including the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill and The Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill.

Mark Bishop, the charity’s CEO, said: “It’s been a breathless 2025 and we’ve been going flat out to ensure that every animal in Scotland who needs our care gets it. We’ve celebrated so many success stories and it’s been incredibly rewarding for us and the animals we’ve helped.

“Like many other charities, times are tough but we are more motivated than ever to ensure we focus our services where we can make the most impact to ensure pets, wildlife and farmed animals live the lives they deserve.”

To report any act of cruelty, visit the Scottish SPCA website.