The Scottish SSPCA has issued a plea to support an influx of newborn puppies and their mums after hundreds of dogs were rescued across Scotland.
216 were rescued by the SSPCA, in what the charity described as the biggest intake in their 185-year history. These included pregnant dogs and newborn pups.
The majority of dogs – from small to giant breeds – had been kept in “absolute squalor” and a number have required veterinary treatment for various conditions including dental disease, infected ears, and severely matted fur.
The SSPCA has welcomed the arrival of multiple puppies born at rescue centres across the country, reports Glasgow Live.
A trio of adorable Staffordshire Bull Terriers – Hank, Eddy and Hattie – have received round-the-clock care since their birth. Staff work ‘day and night to ensure the best care is given to mum and her puppies.
The SSPCA is now facing ‘a race against time’ to cover the cost of looking after pups like Hank, Eddy and Hattie – and finding both temporary foster homes and permanent forever homes.
The appeal target has reached fifty per cent, however, more funds are needed to support the dogs under their care.
Head of Rescue and Prevention Laura McIntyre said: “We urgently need help to deal with this unprecedented situation as the numbers of dogs in our care are growing by the day through litters of puppies being born. Every day we are seeing increasing numbers of cases where our inspectors need to step in to remove very large numbers of multiple animals from properties where they have been kept in utterly appalling and desperate conditions and been exposed to horrific neglect. Our teams across the charity are working relentlessly to help and care for all these animals but we need your help.”
Head of Rehoming and Fostering Jennie Macdonald, said: “Our priority now is giving these dogs the care they desperately need and then eventually finding them new homes – we need foster homes for as many of the dogs as possible to help in the short term while we work to find their forever homes.
“Our fostering team are going above and beyond to get puppies out of the centres and into family homes for important socialisation. We urgently need donations to help us give these dogs the care they need, every contribution will make a difference to their recovery and their future. Together we can give these animals the second chance they deserve.”
To donate to the urgent appeal text ‘Text PUPPIES followed by your donation amount to 70450 to give that amount. For example, PUPPIES 10 to give £10.
If you are considering adopting an animal then please check and apply here.
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer then find out more here.
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