Two cats and two birds were found dumped on a freezing Glasgow street, an animal welfare charity has revealed.
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the four caged pets were cruelly abandoned.
A member of the public found the two black cats in a pet carrier on the evening of January 9.
The birds were found in separate cages on the same evening.
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the four caged pets were abandoned
SSPCA
One of the birds died as temperatures in Scotland’s largest city dipped below freezing.
Elizabeth Lindsay, Scottish SPCA Inspector, said: “Two cats, one tabby and one white, were found in a red pet carrier.
“A lovebird and a red and orange canary were also found alongside them in separate cages.”
She added: “The member of the public kindly took the animals inside their flat but sadly one of the birds died shortly after.
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Temperatures in Glasgow dipped below freezing on the evening of January 9
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“Leaving animals outside in carriers in cold weather for a number of hours will cause them significant distress.
“We appreciate that whoever left these animals 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 pair of cats and one bird survived, with the SSPCA now caring for the trio at its animal rescue and rehoming centre.
The animals received necessary treatment and care.
Inspector Lindsay urged anyone who recognised any of the animals or had any information around their circumstances to call the charity's confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Both the cats thankfully survived (stock pic)
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The incident comes after a reported surge in pet dumpings over recent months.
The SSPCA found 10 Persian and ragdoll-type cats in cages under a flyover on New Year’s Day.
The RSPCA recently claimed pet abandonment could be linked with the cost-of-living crisis.
It warned abandonment calls have reached a three-year high, with rescuers estimating 18,000 animals were dumped throughout the course of 2023.
The RSPCA has set up its “Join The Winter Rescue” campaign in a bid to provide help and care for abandoned pets.