SSPCA welcomes new rules on rescue animals

THE Scottish SPCA has hailed new legislation coming into effect which will transform the lives of rescue animals caught up in legal proceedings.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity anticipates the reforms could reduce days spent in care in a kennel environment for such animals by over 90 per cent.

Previously, animals which were seized on welfare grounds without their owner's signing them over would have to be kept in a rescue centre until any legal proceedings, such as a civil case or criminal case, concluded. Keeping animals under such circumstances is known as providing temporary refuge.

Now, the Scottish SPCA and other organisations will be able to rehome animals caught up in such circumstances after just three weeks. In 2020, temporary refuge dogs spent an average of 203 days living in a kennel environment. On average, the Scottish SPCA provides care and accommodation for approximately 1500 temporary refuge animals each year, at an estimated cost of over £500,000 per annum.

Through the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020, a new section has been inserted into the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. This section gives authorised persons such as Scottish SPCA inspectors, the police or individuals appointed by local authorities the power to rehome animals which have not been signed over by their owner without the need to get a civil order.

Scottish SPCA chief executive Kirsteen Campbell said: “Rescue animals are taken from dire situations which should be a turning point in their lives.

"Sadly, in situations where an owner refuses to sign mistreated or neglected animals over into our care, seizure can mark the start of a long, complex process which takes months or even years of legal wrangling. Whilst our phenomenal, dedicated animal care teams provide first-class rehabilitation and support, a rescue centre is no substitute for a loving home and animals can deteriorate when held in such conditions for a prolonged period of time.

“The rampant expansion of the puppy trade and swell in public demand for companion animals in recent years has led to us doing ever more work to tackle low-welfare animal breeders and dealers and this legislation will allow us to move these animals on quickly. Not only will this benefit their welfare, it will free up critical space in our rescue centres for more animals in need.

“I am particularly proud of the role the Scottish SPCA has played in driving this change through supplying evidence, engaging with MSPs and highlighting the emotional cost the previous temporary refuge situation has on people and animals. We are the first place in the UK to introduce such reforms and it will transform the lives of tens of thousands of rescue animals for years to come.”