SSPCA chief criticised for 'incredibly disappointing response' over Balmore

The chief executive of Scotland's biggest animal welfare charity has been taken to task for giving "an incredibly disappointing response" to local Highland councillors over the Balmore closure.

The Scottish SPCA is shutting the Caithness and Sutherland Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre from October, along with another facility in Ayr, saying it is part of a wider strategy to expand services within the community.

The charity's chief executive Kirsteen Campbell visited the centre at Balmore, near Dounreay, last week. In a subsequent email to three councillors for Thurso and Northwest Caithness, sent on Tuesday, she said she appreciated the strength of feeling on the issue.

"Whilst I am keen to continue to engage with you and others in the area going forwards, it would be more appropriate to do this outside of board meetings," Ms Campbell wrote. "Our board trustees have a responsibility to set the strategic direction and ensure good governance, but the changes to our services in Caithness – and Ayrshire – are operational matters.

"Whilst the board had oversight of the decision, this is a matter for me and our wider senior leadership team."

In reply, Councillor Struan Mackie told her: "As a former governance officer and management consultant with clients across the public, private and charitable sector, I am genuinely shocked that the closure of any facility can be deemed to be 'an operational matter'."

He maintained that never in his experience would those charged with governance "not be intimately aware of the closure of a facility and the fundamental changes that this brings, both operationally and strategically".

Councillor Mackie added: "Were SSPCA trustees not asked to endorse this as part of a clear set of proposals? ... In what way can this be interpreted as purely operational?"

He argued that "a competent and well-functioning organisation should have provided a robust plan for the closure of any site".

He added: "This is an incredibly disappointing response to local elected members who are willing to give up our time to outline the importance of Balmore."

Ms Campbell pointed out in her email that SSPCA representatives had met with KWK9, which provides dog rehoming services, and the local Cats Protection branch in recent weeks "to discuss co-working and fostering in the area".

She stated: "We are committed to making fostering work in Caithness and the wider north of Scotland. There is clearly a real passion for animal welfare in the area, and I believe it is our job to tap into that and find suitable foster homes which will provide a better environment for an animal than a rescue centre.

"That is not to downplay the centre, but it is widely accepted by animal welfare charities that a foster home is better for an animal’s rehabilitation than a kennel environment, and animal welfare is our priority."

Last week, campaigners calling for a rethink of the closure claimed that "no thought" had been given to the geographical location of Balmore or the logistics involved.

Former volunteer Vicki Edmunds has launched a petition against the closure and by Wednesday this week it had attracted more than 3500 signatures.

Speaking last week, Ms Campbell said: “We understand that the closure of the centre is causing concern locally. The decision has been taken with the intent of expanding the service we provide in Caithness and the north of Scotland.

“Our animal helpline, local inspectors and animal rescue officers will continue to be there every single day of the year to respond to urgent reports of animals in need. Our education programme will continue and we will run workshops for children and young people locally.

"We are also expanding our speakers’ network and will have more capacity to deliver workshops and talks to local groups and organisations."

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