ANIMAL owners who release chickens into the wild could face prison.

The dumping of animals is an offence of abandonment under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1997 and offenders could face jail or a fine of up to £5,000.

The Department of Environment Food and Agriculture and the Manx Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have seen a rise in the number of unwanted poultry - mainly cockerels - being abandoned.

They believe some owners are mistaken in believing they are "releasing the birds into the wild for a better life".

But they said the reality is many of them will fall victim to attack by other birds or cats. They may also starve or receive injuries.

At some sites, such as at Tholt-y-Will, members of the public have created feeding stations for the birds.

However this has environmental impacts. The poultry population can grow over the summer leaving bare earth covered in poultry waste and encouraging vermin.

At other sites the birds could become a public nuisance through noise or become a traffic hazard.

The department and the MSPCA are advising owners to carefully consider their breeding programme for poultry and to remember eggs can be produced without the need for a cockerel.

They are also being urged to consider that 50 per cent of any offspring will be cockerels.

Chief veterinary officer Stuart Jaques said: "I can see why people think they are 'giving the birds a chance'. Unfortunately, they've got to think a little bit further along the line when bad weather hits, or fights break out.

"It's depressing to see so many birds irresponsibly abandoned when the likely outcome for many is suffering and death."

Owners are being urged to not release any birds onto land that is not their own, or feed any chickens that have been released into the wild unlawfully.

Anyone wishing to dispose of unwanted birds should contact the MSPCA on 01624 851672 or the Agriculture Directorate on 01624 685835.