WE'VE all heard of stop the pigeon, but the Scottish SPCA are now dealing with quite the opposite problem. 

The animal welfare charity is looking for help tracing the owner of a pigeon which was found on a bus.

The bird was found in a wooden box on Wednesday's 5.20pm Edinburgh to Dumfries 102 Stagecoach service.

The charity said it hopes the bird was accidentally forgotten and not abandoned. 

The driver found the "distinctive white and brown" pigeon after he had reached the terminus, so it is unknown where on the bus's route its owner may have gotten off.

The pigeon was not tagged and the Scottish SPCA is now appealing for information.

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Animal rescue officer Sheena MacTaggart said: "The pigeon, which has distinctive white and brown plumage, was discovered in a homemade wooden box with a blue handle.

"Unfortunately the bird doesn't have any rings we could use to identify an owner.

"We're hoping that this is just a case of someone being a bit forgetful, rather than anything intentional, and we can reunite this pigeon with the rightful owner as soon as possible.

"In the meantime, the bird will be cared for at one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres."

Anyone with information can contact the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.