13 pet mice have been saved after being found abandoned in a plastic container on a Midlothian farm.
The nest of mice were found abandoned in Dalkeith in two plastic crates left on a farm. The animals are domestic so they would not survive in the wild.
A member of the public alerted the Scottish SPCA who then saved the white rodents from the farm.
The Scottish animal charity are now appealing for information after the furry friends were abandoned in the harsh Scottish autumn weather.
The mice were found on the morning of 22 October by a member of the public.
Scottish SPCA senior animal rescue officer Mel Maitland said, “The mice are all domesticated pet mice.
“They were contained in two plastic crates when they were found.
“There are eight male mice and five female mice in total.
“Thankfully, they appear to be unharmed and have been taken to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres to be given the proper care they deserve.
“Although there are wild mice living in Scotland, domesticated mice are not equipped with the skills needed to survive the elements and predators in the wild.
“We appreciate that whoever left them may have intended for the containers to be found but this is not the correct procedure to follow if you can no longer care for an animal.
“We’re keen to find out how these mice came to be in this location and the circumstances leading up to their abandonment.
“If anyone has any information on this incident they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
