Five chickens have been found stuffed together in a plastic bucket and abandoned down an alleyway in Bestwood.
The bantam-like birds were left in an alleyway off Broadwood Road and found by a passerby on Friday, February 3.
The RSPCA said birds were tightly squeezed into a plastic bucket normally used to contain fence preservative.
A piece of wood was placed on top to stop the birds escaping.
Dave McAdam, investigating officer from the RSPCA, said: “They were kept in incredibly cramped conditions and had no access to food and water.
“We can’t say for sure how long they had been in this situation for, however they were suffering unnecessarily.
“It is saddening that owners feel the need to abandon animals for whatever reason.
“Had they not been found, they would have likely been attacked by foxes or cats.
“It is an offence to abandon animals and leaving them in circumstances where their needs are not being met – including being abandoned in an appalling environment, like these birds were.”
The birds are now in the RSPCA’s care and anyone with information is asked to call Inspector McAdam on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message.
