Officers from the Scottish SPCA are appealing for information after four adorable cats were found cruelly dumped in a layby in Ayrshire.
The black cats were discovered together in a dog crate in a ditch on Boig Road in Cumnock, East Ayrshire, on Monday May 30.
The animal rescue charity has slammed the one-time owner for the cruel way in which they dumped the pets - stressing that animals can be given up in a more humane fashion.
Scottish SPCA investigators were alerted to the find on Monday by a member of the public who spotted the crate at the roadside.
Inside the animal holder, they found the four animals - all "terrified" from the trauma of being abandoned.
Caitlin Rea, a Scottish SPCA inspector, said: "The four felines were all adult, black cats and were discovered in a medium sized dog crate in a layby on Boig Road.
“Three of the cats are short haired and one is long haired. They are not microchipped.
“They all appear to be in good health, but are understandably terrified from their ordeal.
“We appreciate that people’s circumstances can change, but this is not the right way to give up an animal.
"These cats would have been caused a great deal of unnecessary distress."
She added: “We are urging anyone who recognises these cats, or has any information to please contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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