TWO Dumbarton sites are to be used as part of a nationwide food and treat appeal by an animal welfare charity.

Morrisons on Glasgow Road and Pet at Home at St James Park have been identified as drop-off points for the Scottish SPCA's calls for donations for its Pet Aid service.

The group - who say they are running out of vital pet food for owners - put on the initiative across 52 food banks in 18 local authorities in Scotland and say more and more pet owners are struggling amid the cost of living crisis.

Scottish SPCA Pet Aid coordinator, Carrie Giannelli, said, “We know times are tough at the moment but we’d be so grateful for any donations to help pets and people who need it most.

“We can accept wet and dry dog and cat food as long as it’s unopened and in date or close to its sell-by date.

"We can also accept unopened dog and cat treats as long as they don’t contain rawhide.

“Clean blankets, towels and hand knitted items, clean toys and items such as harnesses, leads, collars and grooming brushes would also be welcome.

“We can also accept miscellaneous items such as bowls, poo bags and cat carriers.

“Unfortunately we cannot accept duvets or pillows, open or out-of-date food, poor quality or broken items or rawhide treats.

“No one should have to give up a beloved pet because they can’t afford to feed them.

“We have lots of donation points across Scotland where people can drop off anything they’d like to donate. Alternatively, they can hand items into reception at any of our animal rescue and rehoming centres.

“We also have a Pet Aid Amazon wishlist for anyone who would like to donate items online.

“So many people are struggling to care for their animals due to financial pressures that any small donation will go a long way to helping make sure animals and people don’t suffer.

“We’d be grateful for anything people can spare and know the pets and people they’re helping will be too.”

Demand for the Pet Aid service is growing, with data from Citizen’s Advice Scotland showing 220,000 people in Scotland have cut back on pet care costs due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The Scottish SPCA’s own animal helpline has seen calls to give up animals rise throughout 2022 and 2023.