Unprecedented demand experienced by the organisation

An urgent appeal has been launched after several rescued dogs gave birth at Scottish SPCA centres across the country.

The charity rescued a record 216 dogs in a 10-day period last week - the biggest intake in its 185-year history.

A number of the dogs were pregnant, which means they are now seeing an influx of puppies being born “every day.”

The rescued dogs were reported to have been kept in “absolute squalor”, and a number have required treatment for conditions including dental disease, infected ears, and severely matted fur.

According to the charity, a basic health check, first vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, and the number of days each dog needs to be kept in care can cost an estimated £1,223.

Laura McIntyre, head of rescue and prevention, “We urgently need help to deal with this unprecedented situation, as the number of dogs in our care is growing by the day.

“Every day, we are seeing increasing numbers of cases where our inspectors need to step in to remove very large numbers of multiple animals from properties where they have been kept in utterly appalling and desperate conditions and been exposed to horrific neglect.

“Our teams across the charity are working relentlessly to help and care for all these animals but we need your help.”

Jennie Macdonald, head of rehoming and fostering, added: “Our priority now is giving these dogs the care they desperately need and then eventually finding them new homes.”

“We need foster homes for as many of the dogs as possible to help in the short term while we work to find their forever homes.

“Together, we can give these animals the second chance they deserve.”