An appeal has been launched after two farm birds were found dumped in a cardboard box outside a country park.

A ranger at Manor Country Park, in West Malling, discovered the distressed birds outside the locked main gate when he turned up to work on Thursday, June 1.

The box contained a hen and a cockerel – who later died from a seizure after his traumatising ordeal.

Kirsten Ormerod, an inspector at the RSPCA, said: “The poor birds had been shut inside a cardboard box and just dumped in front of the locked gates. They had no food, no water and no means of escaping the box.

“Birds are very nervous and easily frightened animals so this would have been an extremely unsettling experience for them.

“The surviving hen has been taken to an RSPCA animal centre where she is receiving veterinary care and we are hopeful she will be able to be rehomed.

“We are keen to find out more information about how and why the birds were abandoned and are asking anyone who knows anything to get in touch with us.

“We know times are tough but we cannot emphasise enough that abandoning an animal like this is incredibly cruel and very distressing for them...”

“Unfortunately there was no CCTV in the area so we are keen to speak to anyone who might be able to help.”

The discovery of the birds comes at a time that the RSPCA is seeing increasing numbers of abandoned animals amid the cost of living crisis.

In May this year, the RSPCA received 1,822 reports about abandonments which is up from 1,609 for the same month last year – a rise of more than 13%.

Kirsten continued: “Money worries and the cost of living crisis are pushing animal owners to extreme actions.

“The cost of living crisis is really starting to bite and more and more animals are being abandoned. Rehoming is also slowing as people struggle to cope with growing financial commitments.”

“We know times are tough but we cannot emphasise enough that abandoning an animal like this is incredibly cruel and very distressing for them. This is a prime example of an animal becoming overwhelmed and stressed by abandonment and has sadly resulted in the death of a cockerel.

“We urge people to contact their local animal welfare groups if they are struggling to care for their animals.

“Many RSPCA branches can assist with rehoming, financial help for vet costs and even pet food temporarily – or have contacts with other groups who may be able to help.”

Members of the public with information, are urged to contact the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01086152.

Pet owners can find a range of practical help and advice on the RSPCA’s dedicated cost of living hub.

You can also call 0300 123 0650 for support.