Four pet rats were left abandoned in a sodden cage during plummeting temperatures in North Tyneside.
The rodents' enclosure was spotted in undergrowth off a footpath at the back of houses near Telford Court, in Wallsend.
The group of female rats had been left with a water bottle and a food cake to eat, although their cage was dirty and wet and it had been snowing and raining at the time.
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Discovered at about 7pm on March 12, the person who found the rats covered the cage with tarpaulin to keep the animals dry until the were collected by RSPCA inspector Jaqui Miller.
The rats were taken to a vets near Chester-le-Street for treatment.
Sadly two of them had large masses which were open and bleeding and they were put to sleep on veterinary advice to prevent further suffering. The remaining pair are now in RSPCA care. They are expected to make a full recovery and will be rehomed by the charity in due course.
Inspector Miller said: “This little group of pet rats were vulnerable to predators, not to mention the inclement weather, so it was fortunate they were spotted - particularly as it was dark at the time. Sadly two of them were in a poor condition with nasty looking tumour-like masses which had been left untreated.
“Abandoning pets in this way is never the answer and we’d urge anyone who is struggling to look after their animals - at what is a very difficult economic time for many people - to seek advice and support.”
The incident comes as alarming figures show that the charity's officers dealt with 1,324 incidents of animals being abandoned last month and a further 1,529 in January.
It’s believed the cost of living crisis, coupled with the expected financial pressures on pet owners during the festive season, may have led to the upsurge.
With the increase in pet ownership and the cost of living crisis putting a strain on people’s finances, the RSPCA is seeing an increase in rescued animals coming into the charity’s care at a time when rehoming has slowed.
For pet owners who are worried about the cost of living crisis, the RSPCA has opened a telephone helpline to support callers and a dedicated cost of living hub with practical help and advice.
Anyone who recognises the abandoned rats or has information about the incident can contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care go to the website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.
