We are currently caring for a hamster which was abandoned in a member of the public’s shoe on 16 July.

The animal was found at an address on Brankholm Brae, Hamilton in a pair of shoes a resident had left outside their door.

Animal rescue officer, Kailan Chisholm, said, “It’s a bit of a mystery how the hamster came to be in the shoes.

“The finder checked with their neighbours and none of them own a hamster.

“The animal was in good body condition so clearly had been cared for up until recently.

“However, they were quite dirty and very reactive when being handled suggesting they hadn’t been socialised much.

“They are now in the care of one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres. They have named the hamster Wee Croc in honour of where they were found.

“It may be that someone left the animal there intending for them to be found but this is not the correct process to follow if you can no longer care for a pet.”

If anyone finds an animal in distress they should call the charity’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.