Scottish SPCA appealing for information
Two buzzards were found abandoned in a dog crate outside the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre. The charity is appealing for information.
Staff at the centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire, discovered the birds on Tuesday last week (12 July).
Centre manager Colin Seddon commented: "The birds were in a filthy condition and, judging by the amount of faeces inside the crate, had been kept in there for a considerable amount of time."
Sadly, the pair are unable to fly due to the cramped conditions in which they were kept. According to Mr Seddon, it is too early to say if they will ever be able to fly again.
"It will take a significant amount of work on the part of our wildlife team to get the birds flying if this is possible and then we will have to ensure they are in a suitable condition to fend for themselves in the wild," he added.
It is not yet known how the birds came to be left at the centre. It is a criminal offence to take buzzards from the wild to keep as pets. The Scottish SPCA is asking anyone with information to phone its animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Image © Scottish SPCA
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
