Investigation launched after lice-infested pet rats found dumped in Hampshire park

A family came across the pair of male white-and-grey rats in the Lime Pits, Basingstoke, and their cage, which was full of fresh wood shavings.The door of the cage was wide open, and the rats had been left without food or water and were infested with lice, while one rat was bleeding from a leg injury.

RSPCA inspector Jan Edwards said: “When people think of rats they often think of the ancestors of pet rats, the wild rat, and this is a rodent that is well equipped to survive in the tough UK wilderness.

"Pet rats however, having been domesticated, are not like their ancestors in this way as they just do not have the same kind of skills and experience to fight to survive in an unknown environment like a wild rat would.

“Dumping a pet rat out in the wild to fend for themselves in this way is a cold and thoughtless act. The decision to do this is a choice that could have been a death sentence for these poor creatures and not only is it callous and cruel but it is also against the law.

“Thankfully we have now taken them into our care and they are now safe and being looked after in the correct manner.

“We are looking to speak to anyone who may have any further information about where these poor boys might have come from or how they came to be dumped in this manner.”

The RSPCA plans to rehome the pair, now named Bear and Grylls, once their investigation is complete.

Anyone with any information about this incident should contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line immediately and in confidence on 0300 123 8018.