Scottish SPCA Launches Animal WISE

That the Parliament welcomes the launch by the Scottish SPCA of Animal WISE, its revamped educational programme for schools and communities; acknowledges that the charity recognises that education lies at the heart of prevention of cruelty; notes that, as well as classroom visits, it is expanding such support to include e-learning activities, webinars and virtual tours of its rescues centres, including at Fishcross in Alloa, and its HQ in Dunfermline; acknowledges that this new initiative encompasses its Animal Guardians programme, which works with children who are showing behaviour towards animals that is causing concern; notes that the charity is passionate about supporting young people’s health and wellbeing and enhancing their literacy and numeracy skills; recognises that it is introducing innovative ways to engage with STEM to inspire future career pathways; notes that, due to the  COVID-19 pandemic, it has revised many of its plans and adapted them for digital platforms; acknowledges that, during the lockdown, it developed education packs that were downloaded over 6,000 times, with around 1,000 packs distributed with the help of Barnardo’s and Police Scotland to children who did not have adequate online facilities; acknowledges its aims for its support to schools and young people to be extended further through initiatives such as Animal WISE, which includes a wealth of tools that can be used by teachers, and commends the Scottish SPCA on its highly proactive and forward-thinking approach toward the welfare of animals and the education of young people and communities.