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Scottish SPCA issues urgent appeal after record rescues
Several rescued dogs were found to be heavily pregnant.
The charity saved 216 dogs in just ten days.

The Scottish SPCA has launched an urgent appeal for donations after it rescued 216 dogs in just ten days – possibly the largest intake in its 184-year history.

These numbers compare to 45 dogs rescued this time last year, marking a 380 per cent increase in rescued dogs.

The charity’s latest statistics are the result of multiple rescues of notable intakes of dogs across Scotland. Most of the dogs had been kept in poor conditions and some required veterinary treatment for dental disease, infected ears and severely matted fur.

Several dogs were also found to be heavily pregnant, later giving birth to litters of puppies. One litter of puppies needed bottle-feeding by the Scottish SPCA’s team.

The rescued dogs have been receiving healthcare at Scottish SPCA centres across Scotland, with local veterinary practices providing emergency response.

However, the high number of rescued animals is still resulting in challenges for the charity as it works to cover the costs of treatment as well as finding foster and permanent homes for the dogs.

The Scottish SPCA estimates that the accommodation alone is costing them £20 a day per dog. The overall cost of a dog’s treatment, including a health check, vaccinations and time in their care, can reach an estimated £1,223.80.

Jennie Macdonald, head of rehoming and fostering, 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.”

If you are considering adopting an animal, visit the Scottish SPCA website. Or find out more about fostering here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.