INVESTIGATIONS are being carried out after two pet rats were left abandoned in Inverkeithing .

A cage containing the rats was found beside a wheelie bin in Hill Street by a local resident who took them to a vets.

The male rats are now in the care of the Scottish SPCA's Angus, Fife and Tayside Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre. They have been named 'Bazil' and 'Bond'.

Senior Inspector John Chisholm said, "The lady reported seeing Bazil and Bond next to wheelie bins outside her flat at around 4pm on Wednesday.

" When they were still there at midnight, she took them in and handed them into a vets the following day.

"We are very keen to identify the person who owned Bazil and Bond as abandoning animals is an offence, as well as being very cruel and irresponsible. Bazil and Bond will remain in our care until we can find them a loving new home."

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.