The Scottish SPCA is celebrating 10th Scottish Animal Week

Danny and Lucky with centre manager Graeme Innes (Scottish SPCA)

THE Scottish SPCA is launching the tenth annual Scottish Animal Week on September 4.

To mark the milestone the charity will host a variety of events over the week including street collections on Saturday (9^th) and an open day at centres on Sunday (10^th).

The open day is free to everyone interested in animals and will feature a host of activities throughout the day.

Jack from Dundee, who is looking for a forever home (Scottish SPCA)

Over the past ten years the Scottish SPCA has rescued and rehomed well over 50,000 animals, including Opal the terrier who was discovered with a broken foot in Fraserburgh back in January.

Aberdeen Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre Manager Graeme Innes said, “Opal was discovered with a severe skin infection and two broken bones in her foot. She was in a lot of pain.

“We were able to rehabilitate her and she was rehomed with the Riach family back in May where she was renamed Heidi.

“Seeing animals like Opal leave to start a happy new life is the kind of moment that makes this job worthwhile.”

Graeme added, “Opal waited very patiently before finding her family, but thankfully her patience paid off. We wish her all the best in the future.”

Rocket and Storm from Inverness, who are looking for forever homes (Scottish SPCA)

This year the charity has already spoken to over 162,000 children this year through their ‘Prevention through Education’ programme which was launched in 2009.

This free programme encourages children to treat animals with compassion and respect.

Rocky from Dumbarton, who is looking for a forever home (Scottish SPCA)

Recent research published by the Scottish SPCA and the University of Edinburgh has shown that the programme has had a positive impact on Scotland’s children with a 382% increase in the number of calls to our animal helpline from children over the last five years.

Luna from Inverness, who is looking for a forever home (Scottish SPCA)

Gilly Mendes, Ferreira Head of Education and Policy at the Scottish SPCA; said: “Our interactive programme encourages children to think about what animals need and they learn how they can be responsible towards animals they come across including their pets.

Fudge from Edinburgh, who is looking for a forever home (Scottish SPCA)

“The research has shown a clear increase in children’s knowledge about animal welfare following participation in our workshops and is further evidence that the subject of animal welfare has a valuable role to play in school curriculum.”