Two ferrets have been taken into care after they were found dumped in a layby near Kirkcaldy.
The pets were discovered by a member of public shortly before 2pm on Sunday.
Scottish SPCA officers located the animals at the layby.
The pets had been abandoned at a remote spot on the B9157 Invertiel Road, near Kirkcaldy.
Both animals were safely retrieved and taken to one of the charity’s animal rescue centres to be cared for.
However, one of the ferrets had to put to sleep after being rescued due to poor health.
SSPCA rescues abandoned ferrets near Kirkcaldy
Those responsible for dumping the ferrets have been widely condemned.
Posting on social media one person described the incident as “disgusting”.
They added: “There is absolutely no need to dump your pets on the roadside in this country.”
Another said: “What type of subhuman can do this?
“It’s lucky that they are rescued as with the speed of the traffic they wouldn’t stand a chance.”
One of the abandoned ferrets had to be put to sleep due to poor health
Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer, Lea Bowskill said: “On Sunday afternoon we received two calls from members of the public who were driving past a layby and spotted ferrets running loose amongst rubbish in a layby near Kirkcaldy.
“One male ferret was very friendly and appeared in good health.
“The other male ferret was very thin with obvious abscesses on his body and tail.
“They were both taken to a vet to be checked over but sadly the poorly one had to be put to sleep due to his condition and was in obvious pain and distress.
“The remaining ferret is now receiving care and attention from our staff at one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres.
“These ferrets were left in a dangerous situation.”
The charity urged those struggling to look after their pets to get in touch before abandoning an animal.
A spokesperson added: “We would urge anyone unable to care for their pets to contact our confidential animal helpline for support and advice.
“If anyone has any information surrounding the circumstances of these ferrets, they should call our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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