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Scottish SPCA reopens Highlands centre on 'appointment only' basis following coronavirus closure


By Louise Glen

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Neep is waiting for a new home. Picture: Scottish SPCA
Neep is waiting for a new home. Picture: Scottish SPCA

The Scottish SPCA are to partially reopen their Highlands and Islands Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre to the public after closing their doors in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

Along with the charity’s eight other centres across Scotland, on May 17 the Inverness centre will move from being completely closed to the public to allowing people in on an appointment only basis.

While online rehoming will remain the default, the society will now allow those without internet access or who are unable to complete the application form online to telephone the centre on 03000 999 999 to arrange an appointment.

Banter is looking for a new home. Picture: Scottish SPCA.
Banter is looking for a new home. Picture: Scottish SPCA.

This appointment will allow members of the public to view suitable animals via a tablet at the centre and get assistance from staff to complete the online application form if needed.

Between March and December 2020 the number of animals rehomed by the Highlands and Islands Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre fell by around 43 per cent ompared to the same period in 2019.

It’s hoped that this partial reopening will make it easier for long-term residents like cockerels Tam, Ollie, Piper, Neep and Banter to find their forever home.

Manager of the centre, Elaine Floyd, said, “We’re delighted to start welcoming people back to our centre.

Piper is one of a number of cockerels who would like to find a permanent home. Picture: Scottish SPCA.
Piper is one of a number of cockerels who would like to find a permanent home. Picture: Scottish SPCA.

“We really hope these telephone appointments for rehoming will make the centre more accessible for everyone and help animals like these cockerels find their forever home.

“We have five cockerels in our care, who have been in with us for 192 days. They are all aged between eight months and one year old.

“Tam, Ollie, Piper, Neep and Banter would be looking to be rehomed separately to rural homes, hopefully with some lovely hens they can look after.

“Any of these handsome boys would make a great addition to someone’s flock. We’re hoping now that we’re opening up the centre a bit more and travel restrictions have eased we can find the right person for them.”

Tam and Ollie have been in the care of SPCA for more than six months. Picture Scottish SPCA
Tam and Ollie have been in the care of SPCA for more than six months. Picture Scottish SPCA

All nine of the Scottish SPCA’s animal rescue and rehoming centres will be open for appointments from 1pm until 3.30pm, Friday to Monday from May 17. Anyone wishing to donate items can drop these off at the designated donation point at any time without an appointment.

If anyone wishes to rehome an animal the Scottish SPCA asks that they do not attend the centre without an appointment. Appointments can be made by calling the centre directly on 03000 999 999, option two.

Alternatively, all available animals can be viewed and applied for online at: https://www.scottishspca.org/rehome/rehome

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