Baby tarantula found at petrol station

The spider was rescued from being put in a bin by school children

Published 24th Mar 2016

A baby tarantula is being cared for after it was found at a petrol station in Bellshill.

The SSPCA were alerted on Tuesday, when a member of the public noticed school children playing with the spider and rescued it.

Animal Rescue Officer Emma Sergeant said, “The lady who rescued the tarantula had heard the children were planning to dump it in the bin.

“Although she has a fear of spiders, she managed to contain it until I arrived.

“While tarantulas frighten a lot of people, they are actually quite popular pets.

“It’s possible the tarantula belongs to someone who lives nearby and we’d really like to return it home if it has gone missing.

“If no-one comes forward we'll find it a new owner who understands its needs.”

Anyone who recognises the tarantula is being asked contact the Scottish SPCA’s centre in Lanarkshire on 03000 999 999.