A horrified Sainsbury's staff member found a cockerel dumped in a bin bag - with its beak taped shut.
The employee became startled when the found a black bin bag moving outside of the supermarket in Redditch, Worcestershire, on May 31.
When they opened it up, they found the rooster inside - with its head and beak covered in gaffer tape by the cruel owner.
The farm bird was immediately taken in by experts but was luckily found to be in good health.
He is now looking to be rehomed.
The recycling area in the supermarket’s car park where he was abandoned is a known fly-tipping hotspot.
Claire Davey, RSPCA Inspector, is now investigating and trying to track down the owner.
She said: “Not only has this poor cockerel been dumped like rubbish at a recycling area.
“But his face and beak were taped-up which would have been uncomfortable and extremely frightening for him.
“It seems like he had been left like this overnight and he could have easily suffocated if he hadn't been found by a kind staff member at the store.”
She added: “It is never acceptable to abandon any animal.
“But especially in this cruel and callous way.
“It’s unclear at this stage whether he is an abandoned pet or if he had been used for cockfighting so we are keen to find out more information.
“Sadly, it isn’t uncommon for cockerels to be abandoned. Sometimes people may have taken on chicks, which have grown into noisy cockerels who obviously cannot provide eggs, and so they are then abandoned.”
A spokesperson for the animal charity said: “The cockerel was taken to a nearby vet by the caller and given a full check over.
“The bird was suffering from feather loss, mites and an issue with his sight but is otherwise generally in good health.”
The Mirror contacted Sainsbury's for a comment.
