RSPCA appeal for information after pet rats dumped in Newcastle

The RSPCA are currently appealing for information after two pet rats were found cruelly dumped in a domestic waste bin in Newcastle.

On Wednesday, September 27, a workman discovered a large cage with two female pet rats inside, which was in a communal waste bin outside of a block of flats in Bowness Road, Whickham.

Sadly one of the rats was deceased, and the other rat had begun to eat her.

The RSPCA were contacted and inspector Lucy Green attended the scene and made enquiries in the area where the rats were found.

The surviving rat was seen by a vet and is now recovering at the RSPCA’s York, Harrogate and District Branch before she is ready to be rehomed.

Inspector Green said: “These pet rats had literally been thrown out with the rubbish with absolutely no thought whatsoever for their welfare. It must have been an extremely upsetting sight for the person who found them.

“There’s no excuse for abandoning animals in circumstances like this and we’d appeal to anyone with first-hand information to come forward.”

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Anyone with information about the incident is being urged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 01160046.

The RSPCA have received 1,861 reports of cruelty to rats since the beginning of 2020. In March of this year, four rats were found in Wallsend in North Tyneside, two of which had to be put down on veterinary advice.

Dr Jane Tyson, the RSPCA’s rodent welfare expert, said: “Pet rats are very active and intelligent and need plenty of space and lots to do to help prevent boredom setting in.

“When provided with the right environment they can make fantastic companions. They’re incredibly sociable animals so they always need rat friends to live with, but many also enjoy interacting with people too. Some owners have trained them to fetch a ball or even give a high-five!”

She continued: “If anyone is thinking about taking them on as pets we’d encourage them to speak to their local RSPCA animal centre as we often have rats who are looking for new homes. There is also lots of information and advice about how to care for them on the RSPCA’s website. ”