Two pet rats found dead outside flats

TWO pet rats were found dead outside a block of flats in the Silverknowes area at the weekend.

Both rats, which are believed to have died prior to being dumped, were discovered in a cage on Ferry Gait Crescent at just after noon on Saturday.

The Scottish SPCA is now urging anyone with information to come forward in a bid to help them determine who dumped the animals.

Scottish SPCA inspector June Chalcroft said: "The rats had clearly been pets and were left along with a pram and a mattress, so there's a chance that their owner has recently moved out of one of the nearby flats.

"Given their condition, we believe they were already dead when they were dumped and we'll be investigating further to determine how they died.

"They were found at the rear of the flats in quite an open area, so we're hopeful someone will have noticed who left them there."

Both rats were adults. One was white and the other white with brown markings.

Anyone with information should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.