A pair of elderly rats have been rescued after being dumped in a cage.

The animals were found in a park in Airdrie by a member of the public who handed them into the care of the Scottish SPCA on July 25.

They have been named Crackers and Cheese by the team at the Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, where they have been receiving care.

Officers are now trying to track down the owners. 

Scottish SPCA rehabilitation operations lead, Rachael Maclean, said: “The two rats are male and estimated to be quite elderly.

“One of the rats is brown and the other is cream-coloured. Both of them had patches of fur missing when they arrived.

“We appreciate that times are tough for a lot of people but this is not the correct way to give up an animal if you can no longer care for them.

“Thankfully the rats were found in time and they are now receiving the care they need.

“If anyone recognises these animals they should call our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”