AN INVESTIGATION has launched after 11 poultry were found abandoned on a Borders road.
The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) were alerted after the birds were discovered in a wooded area in Lauder Common on Sunday, April 1.
The animal welfare charity say they were safely caught a few days later on the B6362 between Stow and Lauder.
Scottish SPCA senior inspector Jenny Scott told the Border Telegraph: “The hens and cockerels were extremely nervous and I found it very difficult to get close to them without scaring them further away. Two of my colleagues helped out and we caught them all a few days later.
“If the birds weren’t caught when they were, due to the snow and freezing temperatures, they may not have survived for much longer.
“We’re keen to hear from anyone who recognises the animals.”
Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. 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.
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