This Scottish Animal Week, the Scottish SPCA has released research which reveals 31 per cent of Scots are calling the wrong animal helpline.
A recent study has shown that although 69% of people would call Scotland’s animal welfare charity if they discovered an injured or distressed animal, 25% of people would contact the RSPCA and 6% would contact other organisations.
Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Although awareness of our helpline has increased by an incredible 283% since 2009, and last year we received an incredible 240,000 calls, it is concerning that some people would contact the wrong organisation if they come across an injured or distressed animal.
“Scottish Animal Week, which runs from 5-11 September, is our chance to highlight that our animal helpline should be the first point of call for members of the public.
“You should call our helpline if an animal is in danger or distress or if you need animal welfare advice.
“If someone calls the wrong telephone number it will delay rescues and could cause animals more suffering.
“By making our animal helpline your immediate point of contact for any animals in distress it will help us save more lives.
“All calls to our animal helpline are in strict confidence and can be made anonymously if necessary.”
Earlier this year, the Scottish SPCA was alerted by a member of the public after a fox cub became trapped in netting in an Edinburgh garden.
The charity was called to rescue the female cub from a home in Corstorphine after the occupants discovered her distressed and entangled in the netting.
An animal rescue officer cut the netting to free the cub, who then disappeared into the undergrowth with her mother.
Mike Flynn added, “This would not have been possible without the member of the public who knew to call our animal helpline.
“In 2015 our inspectors and animal rescue officers were able to help over 80,000 animals thanks to the people who contact us with concerns about animals in distress.”
Anyone with information about an injured or distressed animal should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
