The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a hamster was found in a camera box in bushes in Motherwell.
The animal was discovered in Calder Park on February 27.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted to the incident after a member of the public handed the rodent in to the local vets.
Sadly, the hamster was diagnosed with end stage skin disease and the condition was so bad the vet made the decision to put the animal to sleep and end its suffering.
Scottish SPCA inspector Jack Marshall said: “The condition this hamster was found in is absolutely appalling.
“This skin disease would not have developed overnight and would have caused the animal a considerable amount of pain and discomfort.
“It’s entirely possible that if appropriate veterinary treatment had been sought earlier then the hamster would still be alive now.
“We appreciate that the person who left the hamster in the car park may have intended for the animal to be found but this is not the right way to give up an animal if you can no longer care for them.
“We would like to find out what happened to this hamster. If anyone has any information on how the hamster came to be in this situation they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
