THE Scottish SPCA has revealed frontline staff responded to more than 2,400 incidents in West Dunbartonshire and beyond in 2017 as a result of calls to their animal helpline.

The charity said there was too much abuse despite Scotland being a nation of animal lovers, and they reported they cared for more than 890 animals at their Dunbartonshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Centre manager Joe McDade said: “Last year we found wonderful new homes for more than 600 animals from our centre, but there’s always more we can do to raise awareness of the number of rescue animals in our care.

“Many of the animals were rescued from lives of abuse or neglect and some were even discarded like rubbish when their owners decided they no longer wanted to look after them.

“It’s heartbreaking to think about but people can help by giving one of these pets a second chance or spreading the word to friends and family.

“This year we hope to find homes for even more animals and we would certainly encourage anyone thinking of taking on a pet to check out our website or visit our Dunbartonshire centre.”

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn added: “We firmly believe that education is the key to preventing cruelty and we are encouraged by the continued success of our ‘prevention through education’ programmes for primary schools, which reached more than 12,500 children in the Dunbartonshire area.

“Our inspectors and animal rescue officers also go above and beyond in communities throughout the country, working with members of the public, giving advice, providing support and offering assistance where possible.”