RSPCA and Scottish SPCA hail agreement

Tuesday, 15 December 2009 12:00 AM

The RSPCA has welcomed a new agreement with the Scottish SPCA as a major step forwards for animal welfare.

The leaders of both charities have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding which aims to help the public better understand where the two organisations operate. It also helps resolve complicated issues such as advertising and legacy bequests.

RSPCA chief executive Mark Watts said: "Everyone involved in this has taken a positive attitude so we're delighted to have reached agreement. The RSPCA has always wanted to avoid any confusion in people's minds about which charity is operating where, and hopefully this agreement goes a long way to ironing out any possible problems.

"We want people in Scotland to support the Scottish SPCA. Even more importantly, if there is an animal in distress in Scotland, we want people there to contact the Scottish SPCA because that is the best way to get help.

"Some of our frontline staff and Scottish SPCA staff already work closely together and that will of course carry on just as before."

The RSPCA will continue to pass any legacies received made out to the 'Scottish RSPCA' or 'RSPCA Scotland' to the Scottish SPCA, unless there is a clear intention otherwise.

Scottish SPCA chief executive Stuart Earley said: "There have been issues between the two charities for generations and we are therefore delighted to have reached agreement through the positive goodwill of all the parties concerned.

"This should hopefully avoid any future confusion for donors, and though there will undoubtedly be some teething problems there is a commitment from both charities to make this work."

Mr. Watts added: "The RSPCA does its best to avoid advertising in Scotland, and we are all aware of the pitfalls and difficulties that sometimes arise from fundraising, but it is very clear that we are committed to this, and all working together for the benefit of animals."

Mr Watts thanked the Institute of Fundraising for the part it played in helping the two charities reach agreement.

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For further details, or interview requests, please call the RSPCA press office on 0300 123 0244.

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

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