TWO abandoned pet rats were found by a dog walker in Oakhurst.

Claire Fisher, 21, was shocked to find the caged rodents buried in shrubbery on Sunday afternoon.

Sadly one of the rats died after being rescued and taken to the Swindon and District Animal Haven.

“My dog was running in and out of the bushes and I noticed a plastic tank with the two rats,” said Claire.

“I have no idea how long they were there for. Within half an hour, they were safe in the haven.

“I am so shocked that people could even think about doing this. Before people get pets they should really think about it. I really wish people would not resort to this.”

John Warwick, of the haven, was sad to lose one of the rodents after giving them both water and vitamins to revitalise them.

He is unsure what caused the death but one possibility is the rat was already ill and the owners could not afford vet bills.

“They didn’t have any food or water left with them and were very dehydrated,” said John. “The one who passed away was on his last legs when he arrived. It is not nice to lose any animal. But the other rat looks like he is going to be okay.

“The trouble with abandoning pets is we don’t have any of the details of the animals, like how old they are. It makes our work so much harder. There is no need for this, as we and other organisations are only a phone call away.

“But they were obviously loved once. They have been good pets for some time.”

John is now hoping to rehome the surviving rat, which joins two others at the haven.

“Rats are quite nice pets,” he said. “They only live for about three years but a lot of people keep them, as they are easy to look after.”

Falling fledglings have been other frequent guests at the sanctuary recently. The stormy weather means the young birds have struggled to fly so walkers have often brought them to the haven for their safety.

“We keep them for two weeks and then let them go again,” said John. “If the birds get over the shock then they are fine. It is often shock which kills them.”

If you can offer a home to the abandoned rat call John on 07990 868887.