TWO parakeets had to be rescued by the RSPCA in Bradford after they were put in a bag-for-life and dumped in a hedge.

The colourful birds were discovered by a member of the public in a tied-up plastic bag in a hedgerow in Thornbury.

The passer-by took the birds to a local veterinary practice, before they were picked up by the RSPCA.

Alan Farr, animal collection officer, was called by staff to collect the parakeets.

He said: “The Indian ring-necked parakeets had literally been thrown into a bag for life and tied up before being chucked into a hedge.

“It’s so lucky that a member of the public spotted the bag and decided to investigate, otherwise they may have perished.

“To abandon any animal is shocking but to leave these birds tied up in a bag where they could have easily suffocated is disgusting.

“One of the birds was also in a poor condition with extensive feather loss.”

The nation’s leading animal charity has started an investigation into the incident, which happened on May 25.

The birds, who are now named Flip and Flop, were taken into specialist care and once they have fully recovered will be rehomed.

If you are interested in taking on the birds, the RSPCA recommends the birds are housed in an aviary wherever possible to allow them to fly when they choose.

If birds are kept in an indoor cage, it is essential bird owners allow their pets the opportunity for free flight daily by providing time outside the cage.

Before letting birds out, owners should make sure all windows and doors are closed so the bird cannot escape.

People interested in rehoming the birds are also advised to do some research to ensure they are aware of the animals’ needs and are confident they can meet them.

Anyone with information about the incident involving Flip and Flop, such as how the birds came to be abandoned or about who is responsible for dumping them is asked to contact the RSCPA’s appeal line on 0300 1238018.

The RSPCA collects many stray pet birds every year, thought to be escaped pets, as well as receiving a number of calls about birds which have been abandoned.

It is urging responsible bird owners to make sure their pets can be identified with a microchip, fitted by an avian vet, or with a closed ring, and to make sure the details on the microchip are kept up-to-date, otherwise it is very difficult to reunite lost pets with their owners.