RSPCA appeal after pet rats dumped in faeces covered cage at Wakefield park

The RSPCA is appealing for information after two rats were abandoned in a cage at the entrance to a park in Wakefield.
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The two young adult female rats had been dumped in a large cage at the entrance to Betty Eastwood Park on Haveroid Lane on Friday, December 11.

Thankfully, a member of the public spotted them and contacted the RSPCA for help.

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Inspector Kris Walker came out to collect the rats and is now investigating how they came to be abandoned.

The two young adult female rats had been dumped in a large cage at the entrance to Betty Eastwood Park on  Haveroid Lane on Friday, December 11.The two young adult female rats had been dumped in a large cage at the entrance to Betty Eastwood Park on  Haveroid Lane on Friday, December 11.
The two young adult female rats had been dumped in a large cage at the entrance to Betty Eastwood Park on Haveroid Lane on Friday, December 11.

He said: “The rats are in good condition themselves but the cage they were dumped in was a mess.

"It was covered in faeces and old bits of food and bedding. The door had also been left open so they were completely exposed and vulnerable.

"Thankfully they didn’t escape, if they had it would have been extremely unlikely they would have been found.

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“They are both friendly rats so it’s clear that they have been handled and have been somebody’s pet at some stage. It’s so sad to see any animal abandoned and dumped like rubbish like this.

"We understand that this is a tough year and people may be struggling to care for their pets but there is no excuse for abandoning an animal. We would always urge anyone struggling to please reach out for help from friends, family or charities like ourselves.”

If anyone has any information about how these rats came to be abandoned, or saw anything on the morning of Friday 11 December at Betty Eastwood Park in Wakefield, please contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

The rats have been taken to the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and District branch for some much needed care and attention.

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Last winter, the charity received 4,650 reports of abandoned animals including 234 in West Yorkshire.

Already this November, there have been 985 reports of dumped and unwanted animals to the RSPCA’s cruelty line including 72 in West Yorkshire. The charity says reports of increased pet ownership, coupled with a deepening recession could see more pets left out in the cold this year.

Donating just £25 could help keep our Animal Rescue Teams on the road.

This winter, the RSPCA expects to rescue thousands of animals from neglect, cruelty and suffering.

To help their rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them, visit www.rspca.org.uk/xmas and Join the Christmas Rescue #JoinTheRescue