MORE than 60 rare birds and animals have been stolen in the last six months from Scotland's first city farm at Erskine.

Children - many with special needs - who have ''adopted'' some of the animals, have been left heartbroken.

Mr Charlie Doran, who has run the Lamont City Farm with his wife for more than 21 years, said: ''It is really sickening to think people are deliberately jeopardising the future of the farm and their animals.''

The thieves may be stealing to order - for breeding, showing or selling. Mr Doran appealed to anyone suspicious about the appearance of small hens, ducks, or rabbits at someone's home to get in touch or tell the police.