Help With Pet Essentials Available in Cost of Living Crisis

Local MP Alyn Smith, Honorary Vice-President of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, has welcomed the organisation’s efforts to assist pet owners with the cost of living crisis, as well as their important work in the Stirling area.

As millions of households suffer higher fuel, food and energy bills, the Scottish SPCA are seeing a huge increase in calls to give up animals. Working with a network of food banks, the organisation is piloting a new scheme across Scotland called ‘Pet Aid’, aimed at preventing pets from being separated from their owners. The scheme covers 12 council areas so far, with a view to expand as demand and support allows. Further information is available at: https://www.scottishspca.org/pet-aid

Mr Smith also praised the Scottish SPCA for their local efforts in Stirling, with over 800 members supporting the charity in their work to rehome over 100 animals and respond to over 280 incidents. Thirteen pets and owners have been reunited in the Stirling area recently, thanks to the Scottish SPCA.

Alyn Smith, Stirling MP and Scottish SPCA Honorary Vice-President, said:

‘I’m always extremely proud of the good work staff and volunteers are carrying out to keep pets and animals safe, here in Stirling and across Scotland. The cost-of-living crisis has been tough on many households in our communities, and pet owners especially have seen essential food and material costs increase rapidly over the past few months. The ‘Pet Aid’ pilot is a fantastic initiative which I wish every success to. 

‘Keeping pets with their owners in loving homes is a win for everyone, and prevents residents from being forced to give up what are essentially members of their family due to budgetary pressures. The Scottish SPCA will always have an ally in me; more power to their elbows.’

Notes:

Attached is a picture of Alyn Smith MP and dogs Jack and Pongo.