Scottish SPCA Continues Vitally Important Work

That the Parliament believes that the Scottish SPCA demonstrates outstanding performance in the protection of animal welfare across the country, including the rescue and rehabilitation of domestic, wild and farm animals, the provision of educational resources and ongoing advice for people on animal welfare matters; notes that, even during the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, the Scottish SPCA staff have been out on the frontline to protect animals and enforce animal welfare cases, which has included responding to in excess of 200 reports each day since the beginning of 2020; welcomes the launch of its free online educational resource, its helpline for distance support and its campaigning for the improvement of animal welfare legislation; recognises its exceptional role in the rehabilitation and rehoming of animals at its various centres, including Ayr, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown measures when the risks of domestic abuse and mistreatment of animals is particularly high; acknowledges its efforts in disruption of the illegal puppy trade through awareness raising campaigns and community dialogue and cross-partner agency working with the Puppy Trafficking Working Group, which includes HMRC, Scottish, English and Northern Irish public and private bodies and animal welfare organisations and government representatives; congratulates the Scottish SPCA on its membership engagement during the pandemic, where it has been helping to prevent social isolation and loneliness; believes that its activities and programmes should be supported, and encourages the next Scottish administration to continue a positive dialogue with the Scottish SPCA on important animal welfare matters.