THE USPCA has appealed for information after two baby goats were abandoned in Co Down.

The kids, believed to be aged between two and three weeks, were found on a rural lane outside Dromara on Tuesday evening.

The charity said the young animals were "malnourished, freezing cold and starving" and there were "also signs of their umbilical cords still attached".

One of the charity's Wildlife Rescue and Animal Care Officers was called to the scene following a report from a member of the public.

Colleen Tinnelly, USPCA Development Manager, said it was "another terrible case involving defenceless young animals being dumped at the roadside, a few months ago it was a litter of pups, now it’s baby goats.

"This type of behaviour is unacceptable," she said.

"In any cases of animal ownership, if you are not willing to look after young offspring, abandoning an animal in a ditch is not the answer.

"These two young goats have suffered so much already but we’re thankful we weren’t facing a fatal outcome. They could have very easily been knocked down by a car.

"Following veterinary assessment and being well looked after by our animal care team, they are now settled and in good health.

"As they were quite underweight, our priority is ensuring that they build up their strength and recuperate fully before arranging a long-term home for them".

The development manager said the charity was "very grateful to the member of the public for reporting this situation as their actions have changed the lives of these two young goats.

"If anyone may have information relating to this case, we ask them to report this immediately to the USPCA on 028 3025 1000," she said.