THE SSPCA is advising members of the public to take certain animals to the vet instead of sending out officers to rescue them following a "compliance issue".
The national animal welfare charity will "temporarily" stop rescuing the majority of small wildlife cases – such as birds, hedgehogs or bats – instead advising members of the public to take these animals to veterinary practices where possible.
The change is due to a review which found a "compliance issue" relating to the use of pentobarbital, a drug which is used to euthanise animals.
The SSPCA did not expand on the nature of the issue, but said that it had "withdrawn the drug from use by non-veterinary staff" as a precautionary measure.
In a statement, the SSPCA said: "We are still attending wildlife incidents where needed. However, in cases where it is safe and practical to do so, members of the public may be advised to take small wild animals such as birds or hedgehogs to their local veterinary practice.
"Where this is not possible, our animal rescue officers will continue to respond as appropriate."
The SSPCA said it was "actively working" with veterinary practices across Scotland to implement the change.
Yet a number of wildlife centres have reported a "huge increase" in the number of cases they have responded to since the measures came into effect at the end of last week, leading to concerns about whether there is the capacity to deal with such a change.
For example, Hessilhead Wildlife, based in Beith in North Ayrshire, said it was "experiencing high volumes" as a result of the change.
In a post on Facebook, the centre said: "Following recent changes made by the Scottish SPCA, members of the public are now being advised to take small wild animals (including bats, small mammals, and birds) directly to a vet, rather than to the SSPCA.
"As a result, we’re receiving a huge increase in phone calls and animal admissions, and our small team is working flat-out to keep up. We’re doing everything we can, but we kindly ask for your patience and understanding during this busy time."
The centre also encouraged people who do take wild animals to the vet to leave clear details of where it was found, so that it can be safely returned to the wild.
Meanwhile, New Arc Wildlife Rescue, based in Ellon in Aberdeenshire, said it had seen a "sharp rise" in calls since the SSPCA changed its policy.
The centre said: "With the SSPCA having changed its advice regarding small wildlife casualties, we’ve seen a sharp rise in calls over the past two days.
"Members of the public are being advised by the SSPCA to contact local vet practices, and in many cases, those practices are either declining to see the casualty or directing the public to us."
The centre has issued an "urgent" appeal for volunteer drivers "to help manage the increased demand".
The SSPCA said the change was not a cost-cutting measure and that no jobs had been cut as a result, adding that the decision was "entirely about ensuring compliance with veterinary medicine regulations".
A spokesperson added: "We are treating this matter with urgency and are committed to identifying a compliant, long-term solution that allows our staff to continue delivering emergency end-of-life care when necessary.
"In the meantime, we will continue to adapt and collaborate with our partners to uphold the highest standards of animal welfare."
