SSPCA refuge in Caithness needs homes for hundreds of abandoned animals
AN animal refuge in Caithness took in almost 260 pets and other animals last year which were found injured, abandoned or handed in by owners who were no longer able to care for them.
The Scottish SPCA animal rescue and rehoming centre at Balmore celebrates its 23rd anniversary next month and has helped find new homes for thousands of animals who have been left homeless over the last two decades.
In 2016, the centre, based near Dounreay, took in 69 cats, 47 dogs and 142 other animals ranging from small furry animals, including rabbits and guinea pigs, to wildlife such as birds of prey.
The team of four full-time staff and one part-time volunteer takes in animals from throughout Caithness and Sutherland as well as Orkney, where they offer treatment and find new homes for them.
Assistant manager Christine Mackay has worked at the centre for 16 years, starting as volunteer. She said there are many reasons why animals come into Balmore.
“We are a rescue and rehoming centre that deal with animals who have been badly treated, abandoned or that people don’t want,” she said.
“The reasons vary from marriage break-ups to people who buy animals and don’t realise what is involved.
“Some people are able to look after animals fine as puppies and kittens, but when they grow up they have difficulty in caring for them.
“There are also cases where owners become ill and due to medical reasons are no longer able to look after them.”
The centre’s facilities care for the animal until they find a new owner. Balmore has eight dog kennels, six cattery spaces and a small animal room along with various rabbit hutches and cages for hamsters and guinea pigs,
They exercise, socialise, groom and administer any medication they require with assistance of vets from Thurso.
Ms Mackay said helping them get the chance of a better life makes their work all worthwhile.
“Seeing an animal go out to a lovely home is rewarding,” she said.
“Some of the animals have had a rough start to life and when you help them find a new home, it is a really good feeling.”
To find out how to adopt an animal visit
https://www.scottishspca.org/rehome/our-centres/caithness-and-sutherland/