A kitten has been found dead after being dumped at the side of a Scots canal. The grim discovery was made by a member of the public at the Forth and Clyde Canal in Twechar, Dunbartonshire on Tuesday.
The young black and white cat was one of four to be found in the remote area.
It had sadly already passed away by the time the Scottish SPCA arrived to collect the adorable animals. The other three were in poor condition and were rushed to a nearby vet.
It is currently unknown if the kittens were abandoned or strays, however charity bosses said it was a "very strange location" to find them.
The animal welfare charity has launched an investigation into the incident and is appealing to the public for information.
Scottish SPCA inspector Jack Marshall said: “We’re unsure if these kittens have been abandoned or are strays. However, if they are strays, it’s a very strange location to find them in due to how remote it is.
“The kittens are black and white. Sadly, one of the kittens had already passed away by the time they were discovered and the other three were in poor body condition.
“They have been checked by a vet and are now at one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres where they are receiving the care they need. They are not currently available for rehoming.
“We appreciate that the person who left these kittens may have intended for the animals to be found but this is not the right way to give up any animal if you can no longer care for them.
“If anyone is struggling to care for an animal and needs advice and support, or recognises these kittens, we would ask that they contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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