'Weirdest and wackiest' items donated to Scottish SPCA

Underwear, odd shoes and a video tape of Princess Diana’s funeral are just some of the “weirdest and wackiest” items that have been donated to Scottish SPCA centres over the past few years.

Other donations include curtains, crates of fake flowers, 250 raw sausages and 200 Brussels sprouts.

Graeme Innes, deputy head of field operations, said the Scottish SPCA is always “incredibly thankful” for donations, but explained: “While we do get lots of funny donations that have clearly been given to us with the best of intentions, we have also received some items that pose a serious health hazard.

“Our centres have received open bags of food containing maggots and cigarette ends, which is why we can’t accept any food that is already open.

“We’ve also received cat litter trays full of faeces and pet beds covered in pet hair.

“People often donate duvets and pillows not realising that we can’t use them as bedding as they’re too easy for animals to rip up and possibly harm themselves by ingesting or becoming tangled in them.”

The animal welfare charity is urging those wishing to donate items to check the Scottish SPCA’s website for advice on what can and can’t be accepted.

Mr Innes added: “We don’t want to put anyone off donating to our centres.

“If the item they want to donate is not on the list, or is large or something unusual, we’d ask them just to give their nearest centre a call first to make sure they can accept it.

“We are so grateful, especially in these difficult times, that people think of us and want to help.”

For more information on what you can donate to the Scottish SPCA, click here or call 03000 999 999.