Have a paw-some new year!

Happy new year! I’m immensely proud of all that the Scottish SPCA has achieved in our almost 185 year history. I’ve been fortunate to have some time off and the opportunity to reflect, while many of my colleagues have continued working tirelessly over the festive season to make sure we continue to be here for all animals, always. The past year was filled with triumphs, challenges and, above all, an unwavering commitment to rescuing animals in need across Scotland. Here's to a year ahead filled with ambition, innovation, and positive change.?

Looking forward, I am filled with a sense of optimism. The new year presents us with fresh opportunities to set ambitious goals, strengthen our partnerships, and explore innovative ways to enhance the experience of animals and people in the communities we serve. In the face of increasing demand for our services and pressure on income our teams have demonstrated an inspiring level of dedication to the welfare of animals throughout Scotland. I saw this for myself when I joined inspectors on the road in Ayrshire and in the Lothians at the end of December. My colleagues' professionalism, expertise and compassion is truly inspiring and my days out with them brought home to me, yet again, the complexities of the role of a Scottish SPCA inspector, the partnership working required and the different challenges being faced by animals, and the people in their lives, every single day.?

Our supporters can be rightly proud of what they've enabled us to achieve during 2023, setting us up for success in 2024. Our plans for 2024 build on our achievements so far, as we continue to adapt the way we deliver our services so that we can best respond to animals and people in a way that works for them and have a positive impact on animal welfare in Scotland. Our plans also set out how we will grow much needed income, as well as how we will operate as efficiently as we can and reduce our costs.

After the last few years, I know 2024 will not be without its challenges. There are increasing and complex problems faced by animals - pet, wild, and farmed, the length and breadth of the country at a time when we’re experiencing pressure on our income like never before. We will continue to do all we can to respond to animals in need and crucially get ahead of these problems to prevent cruelty, intended and unintended, in the first place. We’ll also continue to demand change for animals, such as in legislation and policy, and speak up for the voiceless.

One of our priority focuses for the upcoming year is continuing to innovate how we deliver our services, and tailor them to the needs of local communities. We will build on our 2023 work in communities, including expanding our Pet Aid service to include veterinary services for pets and people most in need.??

Now more than ever, it’s imperative that pets and people can access relevant services and get the support they need. That’s why we’re partnering with other charities and organisations including SAMH , Citizens Advice Scotland and Simon Community Scotland , to deliver our community engagement services.?

Awareness of where to go for animal welfare advice is critical to making Scotland the best place in the world for an animal to call home. Throughout 2024, we will continue to update and enhance the animal welfare advice we offer so that you can easily access information that equips you to know what to do if you encounter an animal in need.

2024 will also see further improvements to our fostering and rehoming services, with a team in place to scale up both. Expanding our fostering service means that more animals can be rehabilitated in a home environment. Additionally, the introduction of a matching service will enable more pets to find the right home for them faster. These changes will improve the experience of animals, fosterers and people looking to rehome.?

The rescues never stop. And as Scotland’s only all-animal rescue service, I can promise you we will not stop either. If you want to be part of the rescue and help us in achieving our ambitions for 2024, in whatever way, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you.