MORE than 15 unwanted cockerels were dumped in Brighstone Forest last weekend in a 'cruel and irresponsible' act.

At least once a year for the past five years, groups of cockerels have been left near the Lynch Lane entrance to the forest, disturbing residents and concerning animal rescue services.

Bird rescuer Kay Ounsworth, of Mr Wally AWOL and friends, said: "It's cruel, irresponsible and just pure laziness as there is certainly no need to dump them."

Kay said without members of the community able and willing to catch, secure and look after these birds, they would likely starve to death, catch infections or succumb to predation.

Following Kay's Facebook appeal, Christopher Plant, of Tyres of Wight, arrived at the scene armed with a torch and a net to help catch the cockerels.

They spent two hours securing seven of the birds, confirmed that three others had died, and suspect a further seven remain in the Brighstone Forest area.

The birds they managed to catch, which have been named after the seven dwarves from Snow White, had several injuries.

It is likely whoever dumped the cockerels was interested in keeping egg laying hens but not male chickens, who are difficult to look after and rehome, Kay said.

Anyone who finds and catches the birds can contact Kay on 07765564479 or Claire at Wild Bird Aid, and those interested in helping can also leave seed to keep the birds healthy and alive.

Kay is also asking for information from anyone who has seen this breed of chicken on the Island or noticed a sudden drop in noise or number of cockerels in a certain area.

The incident has been reported to the police and the RSPCA.