Scottish SPCA issue warning after 11th bird abandoned at same spot on Scottish island

Animal welfare charity say alarm was raised by caller who spotted hen while walking dog and posted appeal on social media.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a hen was found abandoned in an area they say has become a “dumping ground” for poultry in recent years.

The animal welfare charity said it is the 11th incident of poultry being dumped in the same spot on the Isle of Lewis.

The alerted to the latest bird by a member of the public who found a hen in Pentland Road, Isle of Lewis on 28 August.

This was the 11th incident of poultry being dumped in the same spot on the Isle of Lewis. Photo: Scottish SPCA.

The caller spotted the hen while walking her dog and posted an appeal on social media. A kind member of the public responded by arriving with a bucket of feed for the abandoned animal.

According to the Scottish SPCA, the hen has a squint beak but is able to eat well and does not have any other apparent injuries.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Maggie Adkins, said: “We’d like to thank the member of public who alerted us to this hen.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time we have had reports of hens and ducks in need of rescue over the last few years.

“Sadly, it seems to have becoming a dumping ground.

“In this case a member of the public responded to an appeal the caller made on social media, and rehomed the bird who is now living a happy life with their other hens.

“Thankfully, this incident had a happy ending – but this is not always the case.

“Some of the birds we have previously rescued from here have been in a terrible condition, from injured ducks to starving hens.

“Although we appreciate that the owners may think they are doing the best thing for the birds by setting them free, these are domesticated animals who cannot fend for themselves and this is not the correct procedure to follow if you wish to give up an animal for rehoming. Leaving the birds out here exposed to the elements and predators is not only cruel but also illegal.”

The public is urged to contact the Scottish SPCA helpline on 03000 999 999 if anyone has any information about this hen.

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