Five kittens abandoned in Bathgate need home in New Year

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after five kittens were abandoned on a verge of road in the Bathgate hills.

DOWNLOAD THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on 4 December (Sunday) after the kittens were found huddled together at the base of a tree by a member of public who came across them whilst walking his dog.

The kittens are now being hand reared at the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centre in Lothian.

Inspector Jenni Surgeon said, “The kittens were terrified, but fortunately they are now safe and sound thanks to a vigilant dog walker.

“We are now searching for the person who cruelly abandoned these defenceless kitties at such a cold time of the year.

“This isn’t the first time kittens have been abandoned at the Bathgate hills, there was a similar incident in April 2015, but there is every chance this is unrelated.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.