THE Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after three rats were found abandoned in a box in Rosyth without any food or water.

A member of the public found the poor animals in a white container on February 1 in a street in Rosyth.

The rats are now in the care of the Scottish animal welfare charity, but one was found with a large tumour and had to be put to sleep.

Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Kelly McGuire said: "These three rats are lucky they were spotted by a vigilant person as they easily could have gone unnoticed.

"Unfortunately, one of the rats had a substantial mammary tumour, and after being assessed by a vet, the decision was made to put him to sleep.

"We are unsure how long these poor guys were there for and they were left without any food and water in a box barely big enough to hold them.

"If anyone in the area recognises these three or has any information on who may have abandoned them, we would urge you to call our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999."

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.