RSPCA seek information on pet rat dumped by bins in Trowbridge (From Wiltshire Times)

RSPCA seek information on pet rat dumped by bins in Trowbridge

12:47pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in Trowbridge

The rat was found dumped in its cage by dustbins in Carders Corner, Trowbridge

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a rat with a tumour almost as big as his body was abandoned in Trowbridge.

The society was alerted by a member of the public after they found a cage containing the adult domestic rat, by dustbins outside their house in Carders Corner, Trowbridge, at about 8.30am on Wednesday, January 18.

The rat, which was inside a plastic orange rodent cage, was collected by the RSPCA and taken to a local vets where he was put to sleep on veterinary advice to prevent further suffering.

RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson said: "This poor creature had an ulcerated tumour which was almost as big as him and which would have taken at least three or four months to reach that size.

"Somebody must have seen this animal suffering on a daily basis and then eventually decided just to dump him as though he was just rubbish - it is so sad."

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to ccall the RSPCA cruelty and information line on 0300 1234 999 and leave a message for inspector Albinson. Calls are in confidence.