Scottish SPCA

Broken bones. Ripped out feathers. A slow, agonising death. No animal should have to endure this kind of suffering. Today, the glue trap provisions of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 come into force, bringing Scotland's ban on glue traps into effect after years of campaigning by the Scottish SPCA. Glue traps are cruel, indiscriminate devices that inflict prolonged pain on any animal unfortunate enough to become caught in one. From today, anyone found possessing, using or selling a glue trap will face a fine of up to £40,000 or up to a year in prison. Between 2023 and 2026, the Scottish SPCA received 48 reports of animals caught in glue traps, including bats, baby mice, seagulls, magpies and robins. Tragically, the two robins pictured had to be put to sleep after becoming trapped in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh in 2024 because their injuries were so severe. The ban is a significant milestone in ending needless animal suffering, but our work isn't over. We'll continue campaigning for stronger animal welfare laws and a National Animal Welfare Strategy to give Scotland's animals the protection they deserve #ScottishSPCA

This year's Animal Kindness Index revealed Scotland is a nation of animal lovers who want to see them better protected 🐾   Scotland remains the only nation in the UK and Ireland without a dedicated national animal welfare strategy. A national strategy would provide a clear framework for improving animal welfare and driving stronger protections across Scotland. That's why we are calling on the Scottish Government to commit to developing a strategy that sets out a clear vision and reflects what the public expect to see. Source - Animal Kindness Index 2026 YouGov survey #ScottishSPCA #AnimalWelfare

Over the past few days, I’ve been attending the Royal Highland Show for the first time as Chief Executive of the Scottish SPCA. Like many people, I’ve have visited the Show before, but experiencing it through this lens has been very different. It has provided an opportunity to meet a huge range of people involved in Scotland’s rural, agricultural and food sectors, as well as politicians, partners and supporters. What struck me the most is the number of conversations centred around a common theme: the importance of maintaining high standards of animal welfare. It is easy at times for discussions about farming, food production and rural economies to become polarised. The reality is that animal welfare sits at the heart of all of these conversations. Scotland’s food and drink sector is rightly recognised around the world for its quality and reputation, and good animal welfare is an important part of that success. The Royal Highland Show is also a reminder that animal welfare is not the responsibility of any one organisation. Whether we are talking about companion animals, livestock or wildlife, meaningful progress comes when charities, farmers, businesses, policymakers and the public work together. It is a shared responsibility. As I walked about the show I was reminded how important animals are to people. Throughout the Show, you see countless examples of the connection between humans and animals. That relationship contributes enormously to our wellbeing, our communities and our way of life. For the Scottish SPCA, these conversations and observations matter. They help us better understand different perspectives, build relationships and identify opportunities to work together to improve animal welfare across Scotland. A big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to meet with me and colleagues over the last few days. The discussions have been thoughtful, constructive and encouraging, and I leave the Show optimistic about what can be achieved when we focus on the things we have in common. Scottish SPCA

Happy Father's Day to all the pet dads!  Thank you for the treats, cuddles and love you give your animal companions every day 💜

Harley would never schedule a meeting that could have been an email 🤓 We've added Harley's profile to the comments where you can apply for him and add him to your favourites! 🐾 With his energetic nature and one of a kind facial expressions, you'll always be entertained! #animalrescue #rescuedog

What happens when rescue animals and military veterans come together? Over the past year, a unique partnership between the Scottish SPCA and Erskine Veterans Charity has transformed lives on both ends of the lead. Recently, our volunteer team brought some special furry visitors, Ron, Jeremy and Gary, to residents who couldn't make the journey to our Centre. The smiles, cuddles and companionship shared during the visit were truly heart-warming. As Craig Berry, Activities Coordinator at Erskine, put it: "The joy the animals bring to Erskine residents on these visits is immeasurable." The partnership has helped animals build trust and confidence while providing veterans with routine, social connection and companionship. It's a powerful reminder that volunteering benefits everyone involved. This Volunteers' Week, we'd like to thank every one of our volunteers. From those supporting animals in our Centres, to those raising vital funds in their communities, to the veterans from Erskine who generously give their time to help the animals in our care. Your support helps change lives every day. 💜 📸 Credit: Erskine Veterans Charity #VolunteersWeek #ScottishSPCA

Animal welfare is woven into communities across Scotland. It affects people, families, education, housing, rural communities and public wellbeing. Yet too often, the challenges facing animals and those working to protect them are not seen first-hand. That's why opportunities for policymakers to spend time with our frontline teams are so important. Last week, we welcomed Johanna Baxter who joined one of our inspectors to gain an insight into the realities of animal welfare work across Scotland. From responding to reports of animal suffering to supporting pets, farm animals and wildlife in need, the visit provided an opportunity to see the breadth and complexity of the work our charity undertakes every day. During the visit, we discussed the growing pressures facing animal welfare in Scotland, the increasing demand on our services and the policy changes needed to better protect animals in the years ahead. This included strengthening animal welfare legislation, improving education and prevention, tackling repeat offending and ensuring the welfare needs of exotic animals can be properly met. As a charity that receives no government funding, we see first-hand the challenges facing animals, owners and communities. Creating meaningful change requires collaboration, and we welcome opportunities to engage with elected representatives from across the political spectrum to share our experience and expertise. A sincere thank you to Johanna Baxter MP for taking the time to join us, and to Inspector Gillian for sharing her knowledge and experience. To learn more about our vision for making Scotland the best place in the world for an animal to call home, visit: https://lnkd.in/e9scKEib #animalwelfare #scottishspca

In a wildlife rescue centre (not so) far far away... Meet (Princess) Leia, the abandoned fox cub 🦊   Leia arrived at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre as a tiny fox cub, estimated to be just 1–1.5 weeks old.   She was found after likely being accidentally dropped while her mother was moving her cubs to another den site. Sadly, despite waiting and monitoring the area, mum never returned, and Leia was brought into our care by one of our Animal Rescue Officers.   Thankfully, Leia was bright, alert and completely uninjured, allowing our team to focus immediately on the intensive round-the-clock care needed for a cub so young.   Week by week, Leia continued to thrive, gaining weight beautifully and growing into a confident little fox cub. Once she began her weaning journey, it quickly became clear she had plenty of attitude too… especially after discovering meat for the first time!   As Leia grew stronger, she was introduced to two other cubs, Grogu and Jar Jar, and the trio quickly became firm friends. They are now preparing to join a larger group of foxes as part of the next stage of their rehabilitation.   The cubs will remain together until they reach natural dispersal age and are ready for release back into the wild later this year.   #StarWars #ScottishSPCA

It's all about perspective 🤔 #ScottishSPCA

🏆 Huge congratulations to our amazing volunteer Kirsten MacQuarrie, who has been crowned Volunteer of the Year 2026 at the Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards! 🐾 Kirsten, from Glasgow, was one of 10,200 nominees and has supported the Scottish SPCA through fundraising events, street collections and community support. Her volunteering journey began after she adopted her late dog Gypsy from our Lanarkshire Centre back in 2016. Since then, she’s also welcomed Winnie and Shep into her family. From taking part in the Supernova 5K to attending nearly 30 events, Kirsten has raised over £4,300 and her dedication to helping Scotland’s animals has been nothing short of incredible. Speaking after receiving the award, Kirsten said: “Volunteering has changed my life for the better... it’s a secret weapon for finding purpose, exercising autonomy and knowing that your efforts in life are having a positive impact." We’re so proud to have Kirsten's support and we couldn’t do what we do without volunteers like her 💜 🐾 Inspired by Kirsten’s story? Find out more about volunteering: https://lnkd.in/e9TmhQy7 #ScottishSPCA