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    Rescue & Investigate

    Find out how our Animal Rescue Officers, Inspectors and Special Investigations Officers prevent cruelty.

    The main focus of the Scottish SPCA is to make sure pets and people receive the right help early, in their communities and homes, before problems get worse. However, when an animal is treated with deliberate acts of cruelty and neglect, with your support, our team is there to intervene.

    Rescue. Protect. Lead.

    As the only SPCA with enforcement authority, our work goes beyond the rescue. There are many roles within the Scottish SPCA to make sure we can be thorough in our fight against animal neglect and abuse across Scotland.

    Animal Rescue Officer

    The Scottish SPCA’s Animal Rescue Officers (AROs) respond to reports of concern as directed by the Animal Helpline team as part of our responsive, caring and compassionate animal rescue service.

    When necessary, they assist animal emergencies under the supervision of one of the Scottish SPCA’s Inspectors. 

    An inspector and woman talking.

    Inspector

    Our Inspectors respond to many different calls relating to animal welfare and will carry out routine visits to establishments trading or displaying animals. 

    Our inspectors often investigate with police, local authorities, coast guards, veterinary surgeons and the procurator fiscal.

    Special Investigations Officer

    The Scottish SPCA’s Special Investigations Officers tackle serious, organised and protracted welfare crimes involving animals such as the illegal and illicit puppy trade, animal fighting with dogs and badgers, and tackling new trends like fertility clinics and ear cropping.

    They operate as a small specialist team that work internally and with external agencies to gather evidence and intelligence. These specialist officers will report and prepare criminal cases to the crown and give evidence in court.

    Report animal related crime

    If you have a concern about a potential serious, organised or protracted welfare crime, please complete our form. 

    Animals are our priority, and we take every report seriously. We urge you to include as much information as possible to allow SIU Officers to treat your report with the utmost importance.

    Fill in our form

    Please note, if you wish to report an animal in need of immediate help, please contact us via our helpline instead.