EIGHTEEN rats have been cruelly dumped in a urine and faeces-covered cage in Lanark.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity, the Scottish SPCA, said it was alerted after police discovered the animals crammed into a small hamster cage at a park.

The charity is now looking to the public for information.

Animal rescue officer, Sarah Parker, said: “The poor rats had been in the small cage for some time, as it was covered in both faeces and urine.

“Thankfully, they were found by someone who would help as there was no food available for them and they could have easily been attacked by a predator.

“All 18 rats are now at our centre in Lanarkshire where they’ll be named and remain in our care until we can find them a loving forever home.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.