The Scottish SPCA has rescued a record number of animals in a week and is now seeking help to deal with “this unprecedented influx”.

The animal welfare charity has launched an appeal to help fund the care of hundreds of dogs, including newborn puppies, after 216 of them were rescued from poor living and health conditions in over the last ten days.

This number is believed to be the SSPCA’s highest number of admissions in its 185-year history and represents a 380% increase on the same period last year.

Most of the dogs, which range from small to giant breeds, were kept in squalid conditions and a number required veterinary treatment for various conditions, including dental disease, infected ears and badly matted fur.

All animals are now safe and receiving necessary care at rescue centers across Scotland.

The charity was also supported by local veterinary practices in managing the emergency response.

And the numbers continue to rise as several of the rescued dogs were found to be heavily pregnant and subsequently gave birth while at the rescue centers.

A litter of puppies, born in a rescue center, is bottle-fed by staff.

Laura McIntyre, head of rescue and prevention at the Scottish SPCA, said: “This is the biggest influx of dogs in such a short period of time that I have ever seen and we urgently need help to deal with this unprecedented situation.

“We are seeing an increasing number of cases where our inspectors are having to intervene to remove very large numbers of animals from properties where they have been kept in absolutely appalling and desperate conditions and have been exposed to horrific neglect. This has reached extreme levels over the past week and our teams have worked around the clock to bring hundreds of animals to safety.

Jennie Macdonald, fostering and fostering manager, said: “Our priority now is to give these dogs the care they desperately need and then find them new homes. We need foster homes for as many dogs as possible to help them in the short term while we work to find their forever homes.

“Our foster team does everything possible to get puppies out of centers and into family homes for important socialization.

“We are in urgent need of donations to help us give these dogs the care they need. Every contribution will make a difference to their recovery and their future. »

“Together we can give these animals the second chance they deserve.” »

For more information about donating to the SSPCA or for those considering adopting, you can visit the charity’s website here.

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