NEARLY 60 pet rats and rabbits were dumped by the roadside over the Easter weekend.

The SPCA said they were called out on Good Friday when a member of the public discovered 44 rats in a layby on the A68 between the Edinburgh bypass and Dalkeith.

They were then called to 15 rabbits found abandoned on Saturday in the Langton area of East Calder, West Lothian.

The animals are now in the care of our Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno.

Assistant manager Kenny Sharpe said: "The rats were left inside a cabinet in the lay-by. There is a mixture of male and female rats, some adults and some newborns.

"Thankfully they are all in good condition despite the circumstances. We will care for the rats until we can find them new homes.

"We think the rabbits were dumped and then spread themselves out as they were scattered over several gardens. It's likely more than one person was involved given the volume of rabbits."

He said the rabbits included two pregnant females and six bunnies aged just a week old. Others were six weeks to five months.

One had to be put to sleep due to a severely damaged back leg.

Kenny added: "This is possibly a case of breeding gone wrong and we are very keen to identify who abandoned these rabbits.

"Anyone with information relating to the rabbits or the rats should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999."