Glasgow Warriors players Johnnie Beattie, Andrew Henderson and Graeme Morrison today helped the Scottish SPCA kick-off their annual Christmas Appeal for abandoned animals.

The Warriors internationalists swapped their Scotland caps for Santa hats to help feed the many animals currently being cared for at the Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Cardonald, formerly known as the Glasgow Cat and Dog Home.

The animal welfare charity is appealing to local people to buy a dog a dinner or make a cat’s Christmas by donating whatever they can afford to the campaign.  The money raised will pay for an extra special Christmas dinner for more than a hundred abandoned and neglected animals currently in the Scottish SPCA’s care.

Peter Fleming, Centre Manager, said: “These animals have all suffered, in one way or another, so we think it’s only fair that on Christmas day they get that extra bit of love and attention they all deserve.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of local people in the past, so we’re looking forward to a good response again this year.”

Graeme Morrison, who is aptly known to his team-mates as “G-Dog”, added: “Animals are very popular around Christmas time so I felt it was appropriate that Johnnie [Beattie], Andrew [Henderson] and I pitched in with the Scottish SPCA to help give those that don’t have a home yet a little treat ahead of the festive period.”

The Christmas Appeal also marks the launch of a name change for the Glasgow Cat and Dog Home, which will now be known as the Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Peter explained the reason for the change: “We were finding that there is some confusion out there about what we actually do and we want to let people know that we don’t just care for sick animals, we actually rescue and rehome them.

“It might take a bit of time for people to get used to the new name, but we hope it will encourage more people to visit our centres when they are looking for a pet.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the Scottish SPCA Christmas Appeal should send their donation to Scottish SPCA, 125 Kinnell Avenue, Cardonald, Glasgow, G82 2UA or telephone 03000 999 999.