Scottish SPCA receives health and safety fine
Middlebank Wildlife Centre has not been used to house animals since 2012.
The Scottish SPCA has been fined £5,000 after pleading guilty to a single charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The organisation told Dunfermline Sheriff Court that it failed to follow some of its duties associated with the housing of wild birds at Middlebank Wildlife Centre in Dunfermline. The Centre closed in 2012.
“This is the first time that the Society has had criminal proceedings taken against it for failing to comply with its duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act,” explained a Scottish SPCA spokesperson.
“We would like to reassure our staff, supporters and stakeholders that all professional advice and recommendations in relation to risks associated with housing wild birds have been acted upon.”
Once a farm building, Middlebank Wildlife Centre has not been used to house animals since 2012. Through public donations, the Scottish SPCA created a state-of-the-art national wildlife research centre at Fishcross in Clackmannanshire.
“We are indebted to the generosity of the public for their assistance in funding the project, and its continued 700,000 per annum operating costs,” the organisation said.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
