Four tropical fish were found abandoned in a polystyrene tub filled with water behind garages in Witham on 8 September, according to the RSPCA. The charity stated the fish were "lucky to survive the night" after their discovery in a parking area off Virgil Road.
The abandoned fish include a large pleco, an orange parrot fish, and two gouramis. RSPCA experts are now caring for the animals, which require specialist equipment and care as freshwater tropical fish.
Animal rescue officer Joe White commented on an increase in callouts, attributing it to owners struggling financially. The RSPCA is reviewing CCTV footage and has urged anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area between midnight and 04:00 BST to contact them.