Trapped animals

If you find an injured or sick animal, you can phone a local vet who will be able to provide advice.

If you wish to catch and transport the animal, a vet will also be able to advise you how to do this safely. See the link in Related Information to find a local vet.

For larger injured wildlife, phone the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 and do not try to catch the animal yourself.

The following animals cannot be handled or transported by the public:

• an injured deer
• seal
• wild boar
• otter
• badger
• fox
• snake
• bird of prey (including owls)
• swan
• goose
• heron
• gull

The police do not have the authority to break into a house to rescue a stranded cat. Try and entice the cat out with food, try to find the owner of the property and if all else fails, contact the SSPCA on 03000 999 999. They have limited resources and will only help if the animal is in peril. It is more than likely that when the cat gets hungry it will leave the house the same way it got in.

It is not advisable to force entry to the vehicle. Your first step should be to call the SSPCA on 03000 999 999 to inform them of the details, namely the condition of the dog, the registration number and the location of the car. They should despatch an inspector to deal with the situation. Depending on their availability it may be that they instruct you to contact Police Scotland by dialling 101 who will be able deal with the matter more quickly.