Animal cruelty cases reach all-time high

Published on 12/03/2013 00:00

CASES of animal cruelty have soared to an all-time high in Scotland, it emerged yesterday.

And the Scottish SPCA has branded the level of cruelty to animals as “shameful” after an average of one person every week was banned from keeping animals in 2012.

The leading animal welfare charity announced yesterday that investigations by the SSPCA last year resulted in 55 people receiving banning orders, 11 of which were for life.

There were 45 banning orders in 2011 and only 28 in 2010.

Mike Flynn, the SSPCA’s chief superintendent, said: “The number of people in Scotland being banned from owning animals is now at a record level, and while that’s testament to the support we receive from 
the public and the dedication of our inspectors, it’s also shameful.”