The SSPCA has appealed after two ferrets were freed out of a filthy cage on an Edinburgh road.
On Tuesday (March 23), the pair were discovered by a passer-by at the side of Restalrig Road South in horrendous conditions after being dumped on a grassy verge.
Stuffed into a cat carrier, the ferrets appeared to have been released and had been running wild until a local resident was able to contain them.
According to the SSPCA, witnesses had seen two girls leave the animals on the verge before running off and leaving the "filthy" cage behind.
Now, the animal welfare charity are appealing for any further information about the ferrets or their owners.
Scottish SPCA inspector Jennifer Surgeon said, “This ferrets were left in a cat box that was far too small for them. The cage was left open and the ferrets were running loose. Luckily the member of the public managed to contain them.
“Both ferrets appear to be in good body condition but were both very dirty. The cage they were in was also filthy.
“We appreciate that the people who left the ferrets in the area may have intended for the animals to be found but this is not the right way to give up an animal if you can no longer care for them.
“Thankfully, despite their ordeal, they appear to be unscathed and are now in the care of one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres where they are receiving the care they need.
“We would like to find out what happened to these ferrets. If anyone has any information on how the ferrets came to be in this situation they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
