Pet Aid food stocks running low, says Scottish SPCA – donations can be made in Wick and Thurso
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Animal lovers in Caithness and Sutherland are being asked to donate pet food as a charity’s stocks are running low.
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for donations for its Pet Aid service.
The national appeal comes as the charity is in the process of closing its local animal rescue and rehoming centre at Balmore.
It has come into flak from the community and politicians for the decision to close the Balmore centre, as well as another one in Ayr, but the SSPCA says it is bringing more services into the community.
The charity says demand for its Pet Aid service is growing, with data from Citizen’s Advice Scotland showing 220,000 people in Scotland have cut back on pet care costs due to the cost-of-living crisis. The Scottish SPCA’s own animal helpline has seen calls to give up animals rise throughout 2022 and 2023.
Scottish SPCA Pet Aid coordinator, Carrie Giannelli, said: “We know times are tough at the moment but we’d be so grateful for any donations to help pets and people who need it most.
“We can accept wet and dry dog and cat food as long as it’s unopened and in date or close to its sell-by date. We can also accept unopened dog and cat treats as long as they don’t contain rawhide.
“Clean blankets, towels and hand knitted items, clean toys and items such as harnesses, leads, collars and grooming brushes would also be welcome.
“We can also accept miscellaneous items such as bowls, poo bags and cat carriers.
“Unfortunately we cannot accept duvets or pillows, open or out-of-date food, poor quality or broken items or rawhide treats.
“No one should have to give up a beloved pet because they can’t afford to feed them.”
The drop-off points in the far north are at the Co-op stores in Thurso (Meadow Lane) and Wick (Angle Park, Thurso Road), as well as at Nisa Local on Main Street, Golspie.
Items can also be donated via the SSPCA’s Amazon wishlist at https://bit.ly/3PxHyxD
Ms Giannelli added: “So many people are struggling to care for their animals due to financial pressures that any small donation will go a long way to helping make sure animals and people don’t suffer.
“We’d be grateful for anything people can spare and know the pets and people they’re helping will be too.”
