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Case ID: 17592
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: rodent/small mammal (pet)
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Caged pet rat thrown in trash
Uppingham, EN (UK)

Incident Date: Friday, Mar 18, 2011

Disposition: Open

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

An abandoned rat escaped being crushed to death after it was spotted in a pile of rubbish at the side of the road.

The pet rodent was rescued by an eagle-eyed bin man on his rounds in Uppingham on Friday morning.

It had been dumped in a dirty cage along with bags of household rubbish in Ayston Road and would have been crushed in the lorry if it hadn't been spotted.

The bin man took the rat to Rutland Veterinary Center where it was treated and passed on to animal fosterer Lynda Menzies.

Mrs Menzies, who works at Gilbert and Thomas Estate Agents in Uppingham, said: "To dump an animal with the rubbish and leave it to go through one of those big machines is just awful. I was amazed to hear the bin man spotted it and went to the trouble of taking it to the vet."

The rat, which has been named Dusty, was treated for mites but veterinary nurse Stephanie Hutchinson said it was otherwise healthy so Mrs Menzies took it to an animal rescue center in Brigstock, Northamptonshire, where she is a volunteer.

Mrs Menzies, of Brigstock, said: "I can't imagine the vet would have refused to help if the owner really couldn't afford treatment and animal centres will always help out. Dumping the rat was terrible and totally unnecessary."

Dusty is now settled at the Northamptonshire Animals Needing Nurturing and Adoption rescue center where she enjoys tucking into her favorite meal of cornflakes. She will stay at the center unless staff can find her a new home.

An RSPCA spokesman said: "It is always upsetting to hear that an animal has just been dumped and left to fend for itself. Fortunately this rat was found in time but we would urge anyone who has any information about this incident to contact our cruelty line on 0300 1234 999."

If you want to offer Dusty a new home call Lynda Menzies on 01536 373181.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
RSPCA cruelty line
0300 1234 999

References

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