A RABBIT has been found abandoned in its cage at Gartmorn Dam.

The Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) said the animal was discovered by a member of the public on Friday, November 20.

Nicola Liddell, an inspector working for the animal welfare charity, said: “The male rabbit was found at the side of the track leading up to Gartmorn Dam.

“We can’t say for sure how long he had been there.

“He was spotted by a member of the public along with a bowl of food, and half a cage with the top missing. The top of the cage was found nearby.

“Thankfully, the rabbit has no obvious injuries and appears to be in good health.

“We are grateful to the member of the public for alerting us to the rabbit. If he hadn’t been found he could easily have come to serious harm through predation or been injured on the narrow road.

“He is now being provided with the care he needs in the safety of our Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

“We are keen to trace the owner of this animal.

“If anyone has any information and can provide a witness statement or evidence that will help us ascertain who the rabbit belonged to, we would urge them to phone our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

“All calls can be treated confidentially.”

The SSPCA is the only animal charity in the UK able to report animal cruelty cases to the Crown, with reports sent to the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service.