Cat abandoned in Gilmerton alleyway

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a cat was dumped in a box in an alleyway in Edinburgh.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Wednesday  when a member of the public came across the sealed cardboard box in an alleyway in Gilmerton Dykes Avenue.

The cat, who has been named Lydia, is now in the care of the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centre in Balerno.

Animal rescue officer Fiona Thorburn said, “The box was sealed over with tape and when opened, the cat appeared to be very frightened and in a poor condition.

“She was underweight with a severe skin issue.

“Clearly, the cat was in distress and we don’t know how long the poor thing was left there for.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Photo by Scottish SPCA