Border animal rescue News

The Scottish SPCA were called by Mr McLachlan, who then alerted Moffat Mountain Rescue team.

SSPCA Inspector Janet Proudlocked watched as Sparky was brought to safety by the abseiling team.

She said:

When Sparky was found he had already lost a third of his body weight so he wouldn't have survived for much longer.

"His owners were very sensible to distribute posters in the area with their contact details as this is ultimately how they were able to find him.

"There is no doubt that he is an incredibly lucky dog and I was delighted to be present at the happy reunion between Sparky and his owner.

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• Animal rescue

A dog has been dramatically rescued from a Borders beauty spot, 16 days after going missing.

Sparky was saved by Moffat Mountain Rescue Team, who had to abseil down a gorge at Grey Mare's Tail.

The team were brought in after reports of a dog barking near the 200 feet waterfall.

Although the dog was hungry and had lost a lot of weight, he is now recovering at home.

Sparky's owner, Steve McLachlan from Selkirk, had not given up hope of finding his dog.

He had been out walking with his family when Sparky ran off after goats.

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• Animal rescue

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• Animal rescue

An animal rescue centre in the Scottish Borders is looking for volunteers, as more animals are looking for a home.

Borders Animal Welfare Association in Earlston has re-homed thousands of animals since opening 25 years ago.

Staff say they need more than 80 volunteers a week to help care for the animals, as well as helping to run the Galashiels based charity shop.

They have recently employed a new co-ordinator for the centre; something they needed to do to avoid closure.

The charity's chair person Julia Romanes says they have to deal with too much red tape and legislation, and the centre can't cope without an extra staff member.

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• Animal rescue