The rats in RSPCA care are hoping the Chinese New Year may bring them some luck and a new home.
The Year of the Rat begins on January 25 and as the first sign in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, it is associated with new beginnings.
The rats at RSPCA are desperate for a new beginning of their own this ear, having come into the charity’s care after often being unwanted or victims of neglect or cruelty.
The RSPCA recorded 807 incidents involving rats across the country in 2019, with 54 being related to the neglect of rodents. In 2019, the RSCPA took 80 rats into its care and rehomed 51.
RSPCA pet welfare expert Dr Jane Tyson said: “Sadly, rats can be misunderstood animals and often aren’t as popular as other smaller pets like rabbits and hamsters. However, they can make really rewarding pets, they are very intelligent animals and have their own personality traits.
“Please be sure to do your research before adopting a small animal it is important to consider how much time and space a small animal needs as well as ensuring you have the right accommodation and location for that accommodation.
“If you think you can find the space in your heart and your home this year for a new pet please look at the RSPCA’s find a pet page to find a rescue animal in need of a forever home.”
Pip and Ratilda are two young rats available for rehoming at the RSPCA Godshill Animal Centre, we believe they may be sisters and are strongly bonded and will be rehomed as a pair.
They are hand tame and inquisitive yet remain a little shy of new people. Pip and Ratilda love feeding time and come out to play when they see people. Our volunteers love to hang out with them, and they are now our longest stay animals in the shelter. We would love to see these two adorable girls find their forever home.
Samuel Whiskas is available for rehoming at the RSPCA Derby branch. Samuel loves to snuggle under his blankets in his hammock and he would be best suited to an adult home or one with older children where he can build his confidence being handled. Like larger pets, small animals require plenty of love and attention too.
Saturday and Sunday (pictured above) are two boys that are believed to be between three and found months of age. They are from a home that was overrun with rats and the situation had got out of control. Saturday and Sunday are the best of buds and really friendly characters. They are super speedy when they come out to play but with regular handling it should see them settle with their caregiver in no time.
They are in tip top health and have great appetites for fresh veg and Science Selective rat food. They can be introduced to an existing group or adopted as a pair. If you can offer them a home, you can get in touch with RSPCA Manchester and Salford branch with photos of your set up and details of existing pets in the home.
Ben is currently at the RSPCA’s Derby branch looking for his forever home. One-year old Ben would be looking for a quiet home with older children as he is not very confident being handled. For more information about Ben, please contact the branch.
Over the last few years, the RSPCA has worked on a ‘Love Rats’ campaign to try and raise awareness of the traits of these remarkable animals. This has been done both through myth busting and working to effect real change in the world of science.
