Eleventh bird illegally abandoned at Isle of Lewis ‘dumping ground’

This was the 11th incident of poultry being dumped in the same spot on the Isle of Lewis. (Photo: Scottish SPCA)

The animal welfare charity was alerted to the latest bird by a member of the public who found a hen dumped in the area of Pentland Road, Isle of Lewis on Friday (August 28).

The caller spotted the hen whilst walking her dog and posted an appeal on social media. A kind member of the public responded by arriving with a bucket of feed for the abandoned animal.

The hen has a squint beak but is able to eat well and does not have any other apparent injuries.

This incident is the latest in several over the past five years.

Scottish SPCA inspector Maggie Adkins said: “We’d like to thank the member of public who alerted us to this hen.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time we have had reports of hens and ducks in need of rescue over the last few years.

“Sadly, it seems to have becoming a dumping ground.

“In this case a member of the public responded to an appeal the caller made on social media, and rehomed the bird who is now living a happy life with their other hens.

“Thankfully, this incident had a happy ending but this is not always the case.

“The last time we were called to Pentland Road for 10 hens that were abandoned. Sadly, by the time we got there only five remained as the eagles took the others.

“Some of the birds we have previously rescued from here have been in a terrible condition, from injured ducks to starving hens.

“Fortunately, all the birds we’ve been able to rescue from the area have been successfully rehomed.

“Although we appreciate that the owners may think they are doing the best thing for the birds by setting them free, these are domesticated animals who cannot fend for themselves and this is not the correct procedure to follow if you wish to give up an animal for rehoming.

“Leaving the birds out here exposed to the elements and predators is not only cruel but also illegal.

The public is urged to contact the Scottish SPCA helpline on 03000 999 999 if anyone has any information about this hen, or indeed any previous birds who’ve been left in this area.