SSPCA responds to Thurso provost's criticism over 'cack-handed' animal centre closure
Thurso's provost Struan Mackie talked about the "cack-handed planning and communication" from the Scottish SPCA over the closure of its animal centre at Balmore.
Cllr Mackie, who is a Highland councillor for Thurso and Northwest Caithness, talked about his disappointment over the charity's decision to close its Caithness and Sutherland Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Balmore.
"It is incredibly disappointing to see such an important facility close, with very little warning, zero consultation and with such cack-handed planning and communication," he said.
"The role that Balmore played in ensuring the best welfare and outcomes for the most vulnerable of animals will never be forgotten. But for those who championed Balmore, who volunteered, fundraised and supported the centre, it feels that the SSPCA has forgotten our community. A community who gave an unconditional license to operate across the north of Scotland, in every town, village and parish."
Cllr Mackie stressed that the closure was "preventable" and that "alternative arrangements could and should have been sought".
"On the day that the final animals have moved hundreds of miles and the signs removed from the entrance to Balmore, the trustees of the SSPCA must justify their decisions and their support for a plan that has ripped a vital asset out of a remote and rural community, with zero transitionary or alternative arrangements in place."

His comments come shortly after three other Highland councillors in Caithness demanded a rethink by the animal charity. Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor Matthew Reiss; Wick and East Caithness councillor and town provost Jan McEwan; along with Wick and East Caithness councillor Willie Mackay last week blasted the decision to close the animal centre.
The SSPCA said that its local inspectorate team will remain in place and is on hand to respond to any urgent report of an animal in need. It further stated that the public can still call its animal helpline 365 days of the year and its staff will be there to assist in any animal related issues in Caithness and Sutherland.
A SSPCA spokesperson said: “We’re expanding our services in the north of Scotland in the firm belief it will improve the welfare of animals in the local area, and better support pet owners too.
“Our expanded community-based services will allow us to get ahead of the challenges facing animals and people, reducing the need for animals to be removed and taken to a rescue centre in the first place. Through this service, we can intervene early to prevent animal welfare issues from escalating, keeping pets and people together in loving homes.
“Since announcing the changes, we have had constructive conversations with a number of MPs, MSPs and councillors. We have also been in regular dialogue with other animal welfare charities and agencies. We’re committed to keeping those discussions going as we establish our expanded services and support animals and people locally.”
Campaigners are demanding a rethink by the national animal welfare charity. A Save Balmore group has attracted more than 1500 members on Facebook, while a petition to save the centre has gathered over 3700 signatures.
The SSCPA announced last month that the home would close by the end of October, but the final animals were removed last week. The centre will be handed back to its owners on October 31.