More than a dozen poor ferrets were abandoned on the street in two maggot-infested hutches with no food or water.
The 13 ferrets were found on the pavement by a member of the public in Newriggs, Washington, on November 10 - having been left to fend for themselves in appalling conditions as temperatures plummeted.
Just two of the helpless animals had access to food - leaving 11 to starve - with the RSPCA rushing to their rescue, and now demanding answers.
Read more: Cheeky bird leads Next staff on two-day chase after breaking into Newcastle store
“These poor ferrets were found dumped in two filthy hutches without water and most couldn’t get to the small amount of food in the cage,” said RSPCA inspector Rachael Hurst.
"They had been thoughtlessly discarded in a street like rubbish and left exposed to the elements without a thought for their welfare.
“Thankfully they were found and were given health checks by a local vet and are now getting some much needed care and attention.”
Inspector Hurst said she thinks the ferrets were dumped just a few hours earlier and must have been transported by van.
“Sadly calls to the RSPCA about abandonment and neglect have risen as the cost of living crisis bites and with more people struggling, we expect more animals will be neglected and abandoned by owners who can no longer afford to care for them,” she added.
It comes as the RSPCA revealed the number of animals being abandoned rose 17 percent from 2020 to 2021, with a further increase of 24 percent in the first part of 2022.
Anyone with information on how the ferrets came to be dumped in Washington should contact the charity.
Read next
'He makes people's lives better' - Cherished Hexham Hospital Cat wins PDSA commendation
Extremely rare birds spotted on Northumberland Coast attracting birdwatchers
Miniature therapy pony brings joy to Cramlington care home residents
Chopwell wallaby on the loose brought to safety after 12-hour rescue mission
Meet Theo - the pup helping students at a North East school learn Spanish
