A ferret has been abandoned on the counter of a pet shop in East Dunbartonshire by a man who claimed his “duty was done”.
Staff found the “very scared but friendly” animal in a shoe box, covered by a blue bed sheet, at a Pets At Home store in Bishopbriggs around 5pm on Friday.
The Scottish SPCA have launched an investigation and are keen to speak to the man who left the ferret – who they have named Leeroy – at the Strathkelvin Retail Park shop.
Jade Cumming, an inspector at the animal welfare charity, said: “The man entered the store with the ferret in a shoe box covered by a blue bed sheet.
“He placed the shoe box on the shop counter, said his ‘duty was done’ and walked out.
“When staff inspected the shoe box, it was found to contain a very scared, but friendly, ferret.”
Leeroy was looked after by Pets At Home staff until he was taken to a Scottish SPCA rescue centre, where except for a couple of fractured teeth, he was found to be in good health.
Ms Cumming said: “Although we appreciate that the man obviously intended for Leeroy to be cared for and we’re glad he chose to hand him into a safe place, this is not the correct procedure to follow if you wish to give up an animal for rehoming.”
If anyone has any information about the incident they should call the animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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