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Scottish SPCA launches ‘Christmas dinner’ appeal
The donations will help the charity to provide care for animals waiting for homes during the winter months.

Many centres will be close to capacity at Christmas.

The Scottish SPCA has launched its appeal for ‘Christmas dinners’ for dogs and cats in their care this Christmas.

The rescue charity is asking for donations of dog and cat food, as well as other pet care items, to support its animal rescue and rehoming centres during its busiest season.

The Scottish SPCA says that it cares for thousands of domestic and wild animals throughout the year. Welfare reports also mean that their centres can take dozens of animals into their care at once, meaning they often need supplies urgently.

These donations will help the charity’s caregivers to provide nutrition, stimulation and support to animals waiting for permanent homes during the winter months.

As many of the animals that the rescue charity care for have sensitive digestion, many of these centres are asking for specific brands of food. Each centre has a dedicated Amazon wishlist, highlighting what they need the most.

Donations can be made by ordering items to the centre through Amazon, or using the wishlist to order items from other suppliers to the centres.

They also accept donations of food, treats or toys in-person at their centres’ receptions. Donors can bring items in between 11am and 3pm, and let the centre know that the donation is for the Christmas appeal.

Jennie Macdonald, head of rehabilitation operations, said: “We know times are tough for everyone but we’d be so grateful for anything anyone can spare this Christmas and know our animals will be too."

The Amazon wishlists can be accessed here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.