Fears raised over cockerels near busy road in West Norfolk as RSPCA called

Concerns have been expressed for the safety of a group of cockerels living on the edge of a bypass in West Norfolk.

Dersingham resident Sorcha O’Brien posted on social media this week to alert people to the safety of the birds, located on a bypass between Sandringham and Snettisham.

She said some of the cockerels have minor injuries and fears they could be killed by motorists.

Her post said: “A lovely lady has been feeding them but they do not seem to belong to anyone.

“I’ve noticed that some do cross the road, and stand in the middle of it, and I’m concerned it’s only a matter of time before they are run over.

“It would be great to get them rehomed and safe-there are 11 of them I believe.”

The RSPCA have been contacted to attend to the cockerels.

The animal welfare charity is concerned at the number of hens and cockerels being abandoned and fears rescue centres will be overrun with birds soon.

The RSPCA also fears that chickens are being abandoned after a number of people went out and bought chicks during lockdown and are now unable to take care of them, particularly in light of bird flu warnings.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “We would ask that if anyone has any concerns in relation to animal welfare to report this to our national cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.”