Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has been criticised for raising funds north of the border
An English charity which does not operate shelters north of the border has been fundraising in Scotland.
Fundraisers from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have been raising money in Glasgow city centre for the charity’s London rehoming facilities.
The charity has said that it campaigns for animal welfare across the UK, and has been fundraising nationwide for many years.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is in the process of registering for charity status in Scotland, but in the meantime it can fundraise in Scotland as long as it is clear about where the money is going.
Dee McIntosh, spokeswoman for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, said the charity tackles animal welfare issues and campaigns across the UK.
She said: “Our remit is to help many thousands more animals across the UK that we will never see but that are in desperate need of help.
“We rely on public donations as we receive no government support.
"We have been fundraising across the UK for many years now and we are very grateful to all the Scots who are aware of our work in animal welfare, who want to get further involved with us and who choose to donate to our cause.”
A story in the Herald at the weekend sparked online debate on whether charities that do not operate services in Scotland should be allowed to fundraise.
Duncan Forbes, said: "I'd rather donate to Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home or another charity this side of the border, when the same problem exists here, which is the key point."
Iain Henderson said: "I'd prefer people to donate to a Scottish based charity, it doesn't really matter so much as each animal in suffering is of equal value and worthy of help, but my concern would be Battersea taking away funds from local Scottish charities."
Will Brewster said: "Suffering animals are suffering animals. Doesn't matter which country they reside in."
The Scottish SPCA said that animal charities across the UK work together on campaigns, and it is up to the public to decide which organisations they support.
Chief executive Kirsteen Campbell said, “We are committed to working with animal welfare charities across the UK for the benefits of animals everywhere and have a very good ongoing relationship with Battersea.
“We believe that as long as a charity is clear on their role, and their services they offer, it is up to the public to decide which charities they would like to support.”
