The Scottish SPCA rescue centre in Ayr is set to close as part of ambitious plans by the charity "to rescue more animals than ever in Ayrshire". 

The centre will close by the end of October, with all colleagues and volunteers who work there being offered new roles within the charity’s new community outreach service.

All animals who are at the centre will be rehomed, fostered or moved to another Scottish SPCA centre.

As part of the changes, the Scottish SPCA will offer enhanced community based services across Ayrshire and the South West of Scotland.

This will be supported by its existing animal rescue service and inspectors, as well as its community education programme.

The charity is also teaming up with the Citizens Advice network to make it easier for people to get animal welfare support when they really need it.

Both charities aim to improve access to one another’s services, with the goal of intervening early to prevent animal and human welfare issues from escalating.

The society’s new community-led approach will allow the charity to significantly increase the number of local animals they can help.

Kirsteen Campbell, Scottish SPCA chief executive, said: “Animal rescue goes far beyond the walls of a rescue centre.

“As more and more people turn to us for help to look after the animals in their lives, we need to adapt the way we do things to meet and get ahead of that growing demand.

“Rescue and rehoming centres will always play a vital role in our approach to animal rescue, and securing better animal welfare.

“We will continue to operate other centres in key sites across Scotland as well as our world-leading wildlife hospital offering first-class treatment and support.

“We’re committed to working with the people and communities in Ayrshire as we have for decades, to make sure we provide the animal rescue service they need.”