Scottish SPCA to visit Thurso as part of Pet Aid roadshow
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An animal welfare charity that plans to close its Caithness rescue home next month is set to visit the county on a new Pet Aid roadshow.
The Scottish SPCA announced last week that it would close two of its centres, one at Balmore in Caithness and one in Ayr, as part of what it claimed was an “expansion of services” into communities.
The charity has now teamed up with Tesco to run a series of Pet Aid roadshows across the country, including one in Thurso.
It will take place at the Tesco store in Thurso’s Millbank Road on Wednesday, September 27, from noon until 7pm.
The roadshow will provide practical advice and information on a range of animal welfare issues and will give people an opportunity to talk directly to experts from Scottish SPCA teams, including inspectors and vets.
Animal owners who are worried about looking after their pet are encouraged to come along to find out what help is available. Pet food firm Purina is supporting the roadshows by donating pet food which the Scottish SPCA will be able to hand out to people in urgent need on the day.
The roadshows are part of Pet Aid, the charity’s service to help animals and pet owners experiencing poverty or financial difficulties. Since launching in August 2022, Pet Aid has grown to work with 52 food banks and community larders in 18 local authority areas across Scotland.
The scheme is also expanding to improve access to veterinary care for animals in need.
Scottish SPCA director of innovation and strategic relations, Gilly Mendes Ferreira, said: “Rising costs, particularly vet bills, are one of the main reasons people are struggling to afford the appropriate care for their pet.
“People are cutting back on essential care for their pet because of financial issues, and we don’t want that to lead to serious animal welfare issues. With 88 per cent of people reporting that the cost of caring for an animal has gone up, this is a widespread problem.
“That’s why our inspectors and veterinary teams will be on hand to provide information on a wide range of subjects and keep people right on looking after their much-loved companion.”
The Scottish SPCA says the launch of the roadshows and growth of Pet Aid form a key part of its strategy to increase community outreach services and make it easier for animals and people to get the support they need.
At the Thurso event, the Scottish SPCA team will be able to offer advice to anyone who comes along but will be unable to examine any animals. The events will be drop-in, but people should leave their pets at home when they come along.
The charity says that, while the roadshows – which will also visit Inverness on September 26 as well as Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Ayr, Oban and Glasgow – will focus on giving advice to people about pets, its rehoming and fostering team will be at each event to offer advice on opening up a home to a rescue animal.
Anyone who is in need of advice or support can call the Scottish SPCA’s free animal helpline in confidence on 03000 999 999.
