A new directive from Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity has sparked an outcry from staff and the public alike. The Scottish SPCA has told its frontline workers they can no longer euthanise suffering animals themselves — meaning wounded wildlife may now endure painful, drawn-out deaths if no vet is immediately available.
Until now, SSPCA inspectors could carry out on-the-spot euthanasia in the most dire cases, using a fast-acting drug combination that ensured a quick, painless passing. But as of last Thursday, that responsibility has been pulled from their remit.
Why the New Rule Has Staff Worried
For years, SSPCA staff have faced gut-wrenching calls — deer hit by cars, badly injured foxes, dying pets abandoned by owners. Their ability to end an animal’s pain there and then, when no vet was around, was seen as a last kindness.
Now, new guidance says only a qualified veterinary surgeon can give the final injection. No exceptions.
One-liner: The shift is already causing worry on the frontlines.
Staff say the charity’s mission — to prevent unnecessary suffering — has been undermined by its own policy. It’s not just about animals; it’s about the emotional toll on rescuers forced to watch an animal linger in agony.
How It Worked Before — and Why It Stopped
The procedure, known on the ground as giving ‘pento’, uses a compound called phenytoin/pentobarbital. A single IV injection can induce brain death and stop breathing within seconds.
One short line: It’s quick, it’s final, and for many animals, it’s merciful.
But now, the new rules insist that only vets can handle the drug. The SSPCA says this is about ensuring best practice and compliance with veterinary laws — but staff argue it ties their hands in real emergencies.
Real-World Scenarios: When Seconds Matter
So what happens now if a deer is hit on a rural road at night?
Previously, a trained SSPCA inspector could safely end its suffering on the spot. Now they must:
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Call out a vet, who may be hours away.
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Seek a colleague trained to use a bolt gun (which many staff are not).
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Or, in worst cases, do nothing.
That last option is what keeps staff up at night. A spokesperson admitted the public might now be asked to take small animals to a vet themselves — if it’s safe to do so.
One simple thought: That’s a big ‘if’.
Bolt Guns: Not Always an Option
In theory, the bolt gun is a fallback. But it’s not a catch-all. Some animals are too small, others too large or too distressed to be handled safely.
One-liner: And not every SSPCA officer is trained to use it.
A rescue worker told local press they fear being forced to stand by helplessly. “It’s heartbreaking. We’re there to protect animals, not watch them die slowly.”
The Legal Fine Print
The SSPCA insists the new rules bring it in line with best practice and the law. In the UK, euthanasia must be performed by a vet except in certain emergency scenarios.
One short paragraph: But the grey areas are where real heartbreak happens.
The charity is now reviewing its guidance and says it will continue to consult with staff. Meanwhile, frontline workers want more training, better access to vets in rural areas, and practical answers for when no professional can get there in time.
The Bigger Picture: Welfare at Risk?
Animal welfare groups fear this could be a step backwards for Scotland’s wildlife. Some communities already rely heavily on the SSPCA when vets are scarce or shut at weekends.
One-liner: If you hit a deer on a remote glen at 2am, who will help?
For now, the public is being urged to contact a vet directly if they find a badly injured small animal. For larger animals like deer or livestock, the situation remains far more complicated.
One short line: And that’s what worries people most — pain drawn out, help too late, or not at all.
