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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Robert Fairnie

Scottish SPCA attended more than 4000 incidents in Edinburgh and the Lothians last year

The Scottish SPCA attended more than 4000 incidents across Edinburgh and the Lothians last year.

The animal welfare charity revealed that demand for their services is at an all-time high.

In the Edinburgh area they rehomed 533 animals and reunited 66 strays with their owners. They also delivered free education programmes to 162 primary schools – engaging with 35,000 children.

They attended 4394 incidents in total.

Across the country they were successful in 90 court cases in 2018, up from 70 in 2017. This resulted in 45 bans, including three for life, 17 community payback orders and 25 fines. The charity also issued 664 animal welfare notices.

Rabbit dumped under bridge in Fife was in 'worst condition' SSPCA inspector has ever seen  

Kirsteen Campbell, chief executive of the Scottish SPCA, said: “Demand for our services is higher than ever. Including wildlife , we attended the equivalent of more than 240 animal welfare reports per day last year and this lays bare the scale of the work we do.

"Our incredibly dedicated rehoming centre teams and inspectorate work so hard to ensure animals in need get the care and support they deserve.

“Our efforts to tackle the multi-million pounds’ illegal puppy trade and other serious animal abuses have led to a large increase in reports of puppy farms, animal fighting and other crimes due to increased awareness among the general public.

"Campaigns such as Say No to Puppy Dealers and the Scottish Government’s Buy A Puppy Safely have helped to educate people on the trade, as evidenced by the increased reports of puppy farms we’ve taken."

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