Two rescue centres will close in Caithness and Ayr

Scotland’s largest animal welfare charity is closing two centres.

It comes as the Scottish SPCA warned services are unable to cope with what has become an animal welfare crisis brought on by increasing costs of living.

The charity announced the closures of two rescue centres as it set out plans to expand its community outreach by collaborating with other charities and agencies across Scotland.

The centres are in Ayr and Caithness and will close by the end of October.

Overall demand for its services has increased by 25% to 3,518 cases in the first six months of 2023.

Calls to its helpline is four times higher than two years ago.

The closures come as the charity set out plans to expand its community outreach by collaborating with other charities and agencies across Scotland.

Scottish SPCA chief executive Kirsteen Campbell said: "Improving our capacity to deliver community outreach means more people will be aware of the services and support available to them, which should reduce the chances of them ever being at serious risk of compromising an animal's welfare.

"At the same time, improving our capacity to rehome and foster at speed will improve the experience animals have in our care, which is ultimately the best thing for their welfare.

"Our centres will always play a vital role in our approach to animal rescue and securing better animal welfare."