A search has been launched for the heartless person who tied two hens’ legs together, then dumped them in a cardboard box in Dunfermline.
Luckily, the two scared Rhode Island reds, nicknamed Hilda and Rita, were discovered by a member of the public out on Robertson Road on Monday.
The birds, whose legs had been bound with red twine, are now being looked after by the Scottish SPCA as the charity appeals for information about the cruel incident.
Animal rescue officer Jenni Wright said the duo were extremely frightened when they were found.
”They are also underweight and were really hungry and thirsty, indicating they had been without food or water for some time,” she said.
”Hilda’s comb is damaged, which suggests she may have been kept in a very small cage over a prolonged period.
”We think that whoever abandoned Hilda and Rita tied their legs together to prevent them escaping from the box.
”This was a very cruel thing to do and caused them both a great deal of distress.”
She added that the charity would find them a good home.
Abandoning an animal is an offence and 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 helpline on 03000 999 999.