Balmore animal rescue centre opens by 'appointment only'
The Scottish SPCA is to partially reopen its Caithness and Sutherland Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre to the public after closing its doors in March 2020 due to the pandemic.
Along with the charity’s eight other centres across Scotland, on May 17 the Balmore centre will move from being completely closed to the public to allowing people in on an appointment only basis.
While online rehoming will remain the default, the Society will now allow those without internet access or who are unable to complete the application form online to telephone the centre on 03000 999 999 to arrange an appointment. This appointment will allow members of the public to view suitable animals via a tablet at the centre and get assistance from staff to complete the online application form if needed.
Between March and December 2020 the number of animals rehomed at Balmore fell by around 38 per cent compared to the same period in 2019. It’s hoped that this partial reopening will make it easier for long-term residents like Custard the rabbit to find her forever home.
Manager of the centre, Christine Urquhart, said: “We’re delighted to start welcoming people back to our centre.
“We really hope these telephone appointments for rehoming will make the centre more accessible for everyone and help animals like Custard find their forever home. Custard has been in our care for 74 days. She is quite a sassy lady and likes affection but only on her terms.
“She can be quite territorial about her enclosure and likes her own space. She has previously lived with another rabbit but did not like the company so Custard would be best rehomed as an only bun.
“Custard is such a character; she would make a really rewarding companion for the right owner. We’re hoping now that we’re opening up the centre a bit more and travel restrictions have eased we can find the right person for her.”
All nine of the Scottish SPCA’s animal rescue and rehoming centres will be open for appointments from 1pm until 3.30pm, Friday to Monday from May 17. Anyone wishing to donate items can drop these off at the designated donation point at any time without an appointment.
If anyone wishes to rehome an animal the Scottish SPCA asks that they do not attend the centre without an appointment. Appointments can be made by calling the centre directly on 03000 999 999, option two.
Alternatively, all available animals can be viewed and applied for online at www.scottishspca.org/rehome/rehome
Appeal for volunteer wildlife drivers in Caithness