Most sincere thanks to everybody reading, signing or sharing this petition, it is very much appreciated.

The closure of Balmore Animal Welfare Centre, whilst the country is "in the midst of an animal welfare crisis", when "demand for services has never been higher" impacts the welfare of both domestic and wild animals across the remote regions of Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney.

With over 200 animals cared for by the skilled team last year; over 110 came from the Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney region.

Immediate action is needed as the SSPCA plans to close the centre by October 2023 while over 30 animals are still in care, plus the animals still being sent to them by SSPCA, with no homes to go to and other centres are full to capacity and struggling for spaces. 

With a shortage of foster carers in the locality for SSPCA and other animal welfare charities, many animals are dependant upon the centre, including those animals not at a suitabile state for fostering. To remove the centre will require animals to be transported a minimum of 2.5 stressful hours to the next closest centre.

Balmore Animal Welfare Centre gives potential owners the ability to bond with their new pet prior to rehoming. By removing the centre, that ability is taken away unless potential owners travel minimum of 220miles round trip, incurring  steep hotel and fuel costs. Closure of the Balmore centre also removes any personal  aftercare when the centres skilled staff are no longer accessible.

The facility comprises:

8 dog kennels
6 cattery spaces
6 small animal spaces and room.
Numerous rabbit hutches
A washroom for cleaning oiled birds and domestic animals
A holding facility for wild animals to stay until they can be transported to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre for medical treatment.