Gaffer-taped cockerel found dumped outside Sainsburys wriggling inside bin bag

A cockerel was found dumped in the recycling area of a Sainsbury's car park, stuffed in a black bag and with gaffer tape around its head.

The poor animal was discovered by a horrified staff member at the Sainsbury’s, in Alvechurch Highway, Redditch at around 8.45am on Wednesday, May 31.

The unnamed staff member noticed something moving inside a black bag by the recycling area – which is a frequent fly-tipping spot.

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Inside the bag lay a cockerel that had its head and beak wrapped in gaffer tape, which the worker promptly removed before calling the RSPCA.

‌The cockerel was taken to a nearby vet and given a full check over. The bird was suffering from feather loss, mites and an issue with his sight but is otherwise generally in good health.

RSPCA inspector, Claire Davey, is now investigating and appealing for information to find out how the cockerel came to be abandoned.

She said: “Not only has this poor cockerel been dumped like rubbish at a recycling area but his face and beak were taped-up which would have been uncomfortable and extremely frightening for him.

“It seems like he had been left like this overnight and he could have easily suffocated if he hadn't been found by a kind staff member at the store.

“It is never acceptable to abandon any animal but especially in this cruel and callous way.”

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She added that it is unclear whether the animal is an abandoned pet or if he had been used for cockfighting.

“Sadly, it isn’t uncommon for cockerels to be abandoned,” Davey added.

“Sometimes people may have taken on unsexed chicks, which have grown into noisy cockerels who obviously cannot provide eggs, and so they are then abandoned.

“We would always urge anyone who is considering taking on any pet to ensure that they have the time, money and resources to care for that animal for the rest of their lives.

“We've launched a cost-of-living hub for anyone struggling. Chickens have specific behavioural and environmental requirements and keeping them should not be a decision that is taken lightly.”

The RSPCA is urging anyone with information about this to please contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

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