The Scottish SPCA is seeking homes for 18 degus who were dumped inside a box in a garden in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Sunday (26 April) after a member of the public made the discovery in the Hutchison area and called the police.
The animals are now in the care of the charity’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno.
Assistant manager Kenny Sharpe said, “We have two adult degus, a litter of six juveniles and 10 week-old babies.
“The person who abandoned the animals left a note with them saying they couldn’t cope any more. It seems they weren’t expecting the degus to breed and were left overwhelmed with the number they ended up with.
“Although we sympathise with the situation, there is no excuse for abandoning an animal and whoever dumped them couldn’t have been sure they would have been found safe.
“We are now looking for homes for the degus. They are active, intelligent and sociable creatures that enjoy living in pairs or small groups.
“Anyone who is interested in giving a good home to any of them should give us a call on 03000 999 999.”
Abandoning and causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
Anyone with information should contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Photos by Scottish SPCA
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
