Tarantula found at Bellshill petrol station

The Scottish SPCA has appealed for help in tracing the owner of a tarantula - after school pupils were discovered playing with it in Bellshill.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Mar 2016, 11:48 BST

Updated 24th Mar 2016, 13:18 BST

A passerby noticed the youngsters with the spider - described as ‘a baby’ - at a petrol station on Tuesday (March 22).

Animal Rescue Officer Emma Sergeant said: “The lady who rescued the tarantula had heard the children were planning to dump it in the bin.

“Although she has a fear of spiders, she managed to contain it until I arrived.

“While tarantulas frighten a lot of people, they are actually quite popular pets.

“It’s possible the tarantula belongs to someone who lives nearby and we’d really like to return it home if it has gone missing.

“If no-one comes forward we’ll find it a new owner who understands its needs.”

Anyone who recognises the tarantula is urged to call the Scottish SPCA’s centre in Lanarkshire on 03000 999 999.