Scottish SPCA warning over poultry abandonment
The Scottish SPCA is urging the public to ensure they have a proper knowledge and understanding of animals before purchasing, rehoming or breeding them.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity has had a high number of chickens, cockerels, ducks and geese come into their care recently.
Although the abandonment of poultry is a nationwide issue, it is particularly a problem at their Angus, Fife and Tayside Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.
In the last two years, the Society has had a purpose built cockerel run installed at the centre, kindly funded by local businesses, to try meet the demand of care for these birds.
The Scottish SPCA believe that the influx of unwanted and abandoned poultry in the region is largely due to a lack of understanding about breeding and care.
Centre manager, Elliot Hay, said: “Our centre mainly cares for birds, small animals, and reptiles.
“We take as many cockerels in as we can, but we only have two areas for poultry so we are usually full all year round.
“We can’t hold them together unless they’re young, because cockerels are notoriously aggressive with other males. This is a big reason they are brought to us as owners don’t realise this.
“People often breed in their back gardens which can also be a lot noisier than expected and, due to the unavoidable noise complaints from the neighbours, they are again brought to us.
“Anyone looking to take on any type of poultry needs to be knowledgeable and have the time and commitment to ensure they receive the specialist care and attention they need to be happy and healthy.”
The Society see similar problems at their Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, with horses coming into their care due to people not realising the commitment they entail.
Centre manager, Louise Griese, said: “Horses can live up to 30 years and are a huge commitment.
“All too often we see horses come to our centre because owners have
not taken into consideration the full cost involved in keeping horses.
“Veterinary visits, routine farrier trims, vaccinations and food, especially in the winter when there is no grass, are all things to consider. Horses can also injure themselves which can be costly.
“As well as costs and having appropriate land, something people often dismiss is the time they need to dedicate to caring for these animals.
“If you are thinking of getting a horse, we would always advise you to have a support network there to help you should you need it.”
If you would like to become a member and support the Scottish SPCA monthly, or give a one off £5 donation, please visit their website: https://www.scottishspca.org/support.