SSPCA helped 3000 animals in need in West Lothian last year

dailyrecord.co.uk:

SSPCA volunteers helped 3000 animals in West Lothian alone last year as the cost-of-living crisis deepened.Scotland’s animal welfare charity has released new figures highlighting its work in 2022, describing the year as one of the most challenging in its 183-year history.Citing the cost-of-living crisis, ability to pay vet bills and the low-welfare pet trade as key drivers of animal welfare issues in Scotland, the charity has been stretched to its limit.The charity’s free animal helpline fielded over a quarter of a million calls (252,265).

Over 4,000 people who called the helpline were to give up their pet, more than three times as many as in 2021. The majority cited financial issues including vet bills as their main issue.In response to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on people and pets, the Scottish SPCA pioneered Pet Aid in August 2022.The service, which works with local foodbanks and community projects across Scotland, is now available in 35 places nationwide.

It provides vital pet supplies to people when they need them most. The charity’s inspectors worked directly with pet owners too, providing support to hundreds of people in their own home.Scottish SPCA chief executive Kirsteen Campbell said: “Through our animal helpline and inspectors, the Scottish SPCA has a unique insight into the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on people and their pets.

Last year we saw first-hand how people were having to choose between feeding themselves or their animal, or making the heart-breaking decision to give their pet up.“Prevention is in our name and Pet Aid allows us to prevent suffering by not only providing food and supplies to those who need it, instead of picking up the pieces after things have gone wrong.The best