A CAT was found tied to a tree with washing line in the Scottish Borders.
The Scottish SPCA was contacted by a member of the public after she found the cat while out walking her dog in countryside by the B6359 between Hawick and Appletreehall around 1.30pm on Monday.
Inspector Jenny Scott arrived to collect the white and tabby female cat from the lady, who had taken her home after releasing her from the washing line which had been used to tether her to the tree.
Alice is now recovering in the care of the Scottish SPCA
The cat is now receiving care and attention at the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre where staff have named her Alice.
Inspector Scott said, “This cat is in surprisingly good health despite being found tied to a tree.
“She doesn’t have any injuries or marks from the cord that was used to restrain her which is something we’d expect to see, so we can only assume that she was tethered for a very short period of time before being discovered.
“The stretch of road Alice was found on is quite a busy route so we would have expected there to be a fairly steady flow of traffic at that time.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who either saw someone acting suspiciously in the area on Monday or who recognises Alice and knows who might have owned her.
“She’s a very friendly, good natured cat who will make a fantastic pet so we’re also hoping someone will come forward and offer her a loving home.”
Abandoning an animal is an offence and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
Anyone with information relating to this incident or wishing to offer Alice a home is being encouraged to call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
