Gerbils dumped by roadside
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after three male gerbils were dumped in a cage by a roadside in Falkirk.
A member of the public was on her way to work when she spotted the cage sitting on a footpath just off Kincardine Road at Carronshore between 8 and 9am on Tuesday 6 September.
We were called to rescue the frightened creatures, who are now being cared for at our Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Hamilton. They have been named Tom, Dick and Harry.
Ambulance Driver Jennifer Hamilton said, "The weather wasn't great that morning and the wee gerbils were found huddled together for warmth in a wire cage which was open to the elements.
"Apart from a couple of bits of veg there was nothing for them to eat or drink. A cream and blue blanket was found next to the cage and there was a piece of card inside it, which had been scribbled on, possibly by a child.
"Kincardine Road is busy with commuters and the footpath is used regularly by dog walkers so we think Tom, Dick and Harry were probably abandoned early that morning.
"It's irresponsible and cruel to dump your unwanted pets outdoors. Small animals and gerbils in particular can easily perish in the cold."
Abandoning an animal is an offence and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
Anyone with information relating to the gerbils should contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.