Three rats have been discovered abandoned on a back road in North Lanarkshire.
The rats were found by a member of the public in Shotts in a “disgusting” cage covered in chicken bones on Wednesday, September 27.
The animals were taken to a local Scottish SPCA animal rescue and rehoming centre.
A spokesperson for the animal charity said it appreciates that the owner may have intended for the rats to be found but that this was not “the correct way to give up a pet”.
Inspector Jennifer Surgeon said: “These three rats were found in a cage with no water or food abandoned at the side of the road. The cage was found in an absolutely disgusting condition and covered in chicken bones inside.
“We appreciate that whoever left the rats may have intended for them to be found but this is not the correct way to give up a pet if you can no longer care for them.
“The rats are now in the care of one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres.
“If anyone recognises these rats, or has any information about their circumstances, they should call our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
