A pair of rats have been discovered abandoned in a gift bag near a poplar walking spot in Edinburgh.
The male rats, believed to have been pets, were well taken care of before being left, say the Scottish SPCA. The charity are appealing for information, saying it was "not the right way to give up an animal".
The rats were found on Coburg Street in the capital on a path leading to the Water of Leith. One is fully white in colour, and the other is white with a ginger head and tail.
They were found inside a sage coloured gift bag with pink writing that said ‘just for you’. The bag also had pink ribbon handles, love hearts, and a picture of a Pomeranian.
Scottish SPCA inspector Emma Phillips, said: “The rats are both male, very friendly, and appear to have been well cared for until now. There was some food left inside the bag but no water.
“We understand that people’s circumstances can change, but this is not the right way to give up an animal and these rats would have been caused a great amount of distress.
“They are thankfully now safe and being cared for by one of our rescue and rehoming centres.
“We are urging anyone who recognises these rats or has any information to please contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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