Local MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has praised the impact in West Dunbartonshire of animal welfare charity, the Scottish SPCA. 

The animal rescue charity, which has a rehoming centre based in Milton, reported that it helped to rehome 572 animals across West Dunbartonshire in 2022. 

The positive impact of Animal WISE - the SSPCA’s educational programme - has also been highlighted by Mr Docherty-Hughes, who visited Knoxland Primary School in Dumbarton to see first-hand how the project is helping to combat animal cruelty. 

Mr Docherty-Hughes said: “The team at the Scottish SPCA’s animal rescue and rehoming centre in West Dunbartonshire does vital work. I’ve been fortunate to visit the centre in Milton in my constituency many times over the years. 

“I met with the charity’s education officer Chris during a visit to Knoxland Primary School, to see first-hand the benefits of the Animal WISE initiative. It aims to teach about animal welfare issues in fun and accessible ways. That was certainly the case for Miss Cowin’s Primary 7 class, who were all passionate about helping animals in need. 

“Educational projects like this one can help prevent animal cruelty and foster responsibility from an early age. It’s great to see so many local schools getting involved."

Mr Docherty-Hughes added: “I’m grateful to the Scottish SPCA for its commitment to making Scotland a better place for all animals. It’s a privilege to support their work locally and in parliament.”    

The Scottish SPCA’s education team, which teaches young people about animal welfare in fun and accessible ways, has engaged with more than 80,000 young people across Scotland in the past year.