A SALTCOATS teenager has told of the horrific animal cruelty she witnessed will travelling in Bali - including tortured and tattooed pets.

Eighteen-year-old Ciara Rankin, flew out to some of the most deprived areas of the country back in August, and was disgusted by the conditions of some of the animals when they arrived at the wildlife centre she volunteered in.

Some had been trained to cry and beg for cash with one bear even being forced to bite itself for sympathy and entertainment.

Travelling by herself, Ciara left from Glasgow Airport went to London, Dubai, and Bali over 24 hours.

During her time in Bali, which was part of Plan My Gap Year charity project, she volunteered in childcare and animal shelter in rural Tabanan area, before returning home at the end of October.

She has now returned home and shared her experiences after spending a month helping disadvantaged children and animals in Bali.

Ciara said: “We worked in deprived centres that were either low on staff or low funded.

“We also volunteered at a wildlife centre, it was horrific. The poor animals were from tortured households and some of them had been trained to cry so people would give them money and they’ve been shaved and tattooed, and there was a bear that was trained to bite his hand for money.

“It was part of Plan My Gap year where you go and help with charity work abroad.

“I don’t know where the idea came from but I was bored and had just left school. I was in work but felt I wanted to do something different.

“I was looking for charity work and this popped up online. I phoned the company and off I went.

“Tabanan was a very rural area about two hours away from all the more tourist places

“We’d be teaching them, playing with them, obviously they never spoke much English – Ranya, she was my baby.

“I also climbed the tallest mountain in Bali at 3am which is about 2,000 metres, it was for the sunset you had to be up for sunset.

“I would definitely recommend it, it’s such a big life experience. You gain a lot of skills and I know I’ve gained a lot of confidence and independence.

“I’ve definitely come back a different person. When you see poverty like that it does change you.”

For more information on Plan My Gap Year visit: www.planmygapyear.co.uk/volunteer-in-bali/bali-childcare-volunteers