RSPCA WA is seeking information after an emaciated, lice-infested chicken was found in a bin at Maali Bridge Park near the Swan River in Herne Hill.

WA Police received a report about the chicken who was found by a member of the public on Tuesday. Police officers took the chicken to an emergency vet and contacted RSPCA WA.

An inspector brought the chicken, whom she named Bernadette, to the animal welfare organisation’s shelter in Malaga where she was treated by RSPCA WA vets.

She was skin and bone and had an eye infection as well as being covered in lice. Despite the care, Bernadette sadly succumbed to her condition the following day.

RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said Bernadette was in a terrible state upon arrival.

“Our investigation is centred on whether she was dumped in the bin and left to die,” she said.

“We are seeking information from anyone who knows what happened to Bernadette so we can understand how she ended up in the bin.

“We are also very keen to know what property she came from as, given her condition, we hold concerns for other chickens who may be there.”

Anyone with information about how Bernadette ended up in the bin is asked to contact RSPCA WA’s 24-hour Cruelty Hotline on 1300 278 358 or make a report online at rspcawa.org.au.

Please quote job number 207207.