A five-month-old kitten was found dumped in a wheelie bin near Falkirk.

The Scottish SPCA were called out after the feline, named Jaws, was found on Sunday morning in Nevis Place, Hallglen.

The cat was in a "very distressed" condition and had last been seen by its owners on Saturday night.

A neighbour discovered Jaws in the bin around 8am the following morning when he was putting out rubbish.

Jaws, who could have been killed if she had not been discovered, has now been reunited with her owner.

A similar incident is believed to have taken place around a week ago but it was not reported to the Scottish SPCA.

Investigators have urged anyone with information to come forward.

An undercover inspector from the charity's special investigations unit said: "It appears that someone has very cruelly picked up this five-month-old kitten and placed her in a wheelie bin.

"Jaws was understandably very distressed after her ordeal and as a result had an upset stomach.

"We're not sure exactly when this happened but Jaws was last seen at 8pm on Saturday night by her owner."

The inspector continued: "A neighbour discovered the young kitten when going to put rubbish in the bin.

"This was a particularly cruel act which would have resulted in Jaws' death had she not been found.

"This is the second incident of a cat being put in a wheelie bin in Hallglen so we're very keen for anyone with information to get in touch."

Anyone with information has been urged to contact the Scottish SPCA via 03000 999 999.