Cats found abandoned in a cardboard box

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Monday evening when the trio were discovered on a lane leading to Shields Road.

The female and two males are now in the care of the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centre in Lanarkshire where they have been named Merrie, Baron and Glen.

Animal rescue officer Dawn-Vale Lowdon said, “Merrie, Baron and Glen were found by a member of the public after hearing their cries.

“All three are friendly and appear to be in good health, we don’t understand why someone would abandon them like this.

“We are appealing to anyone with information about who may have abandoned these cats to call us in confidence.

“We’d also love to hear from anyone interested in offering them a loving home after their ordeal.”

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.