Scottish SPCA issue appeal after hens dumped outside Edinburgh Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre

A pair of hens were dumped outside the gates of the Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno yesterday - and the Scottish SPCA is appealing to the public for information.

The animal welfare charity is caring for the hens after finding them at the centre entrance.

Centre manager Diane Aitchison said: “We believe the chickens were left at approximately 12.40 in the afternoon.

“They were left at the gates in a wooden box.

A pair of hens were dumped outside the Edinburgh Animal and Rehoming Centre

“The birds have a number of health issues including mites, scaly legs and very twisted and deformed feet.

“These are not issues that happen overnight and the birds have obviously been kept in poor conditions.

“We have named the hens Arriane and Lucille and our dedicated team at the centre will now ensure they get the proper care they need to get them back to full health.

“We appreciate this is a very uncertain time just now, but there is never an excuse for abandoning any animal.

“A white Range Rover Sport was seen in the car park around the time the chickens were left.

“We would like to speak to the owner of the Range Rover in connection with this incident as they might be able to help us with our enquiry.

“If anyone has any information about how the hens came to be left this way, please contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

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