Pets found dumped in cage

AN appeal is being made for information after two chinchillas were found abandoned in bushes in a Nuneaton park.

The RSPCA was called after a man found a cage containing the pair of rodents in a green area off Sycamore Road at around midnight on Saturday, July 15.

The man took them to his home and kept them until RSPCA inspector Nicky Foster could collect them later in the day.

Inspector Foster said: “The adult chinchillas had been shut inside the vivarium - used for snakes - and dumped in the bushes. Sellotape had been used to seal the cage and keep them inside, and there was a lot of faeces inside meaning they must have been confined for some time. “The gentleman who found them kindly took them home to keep them safe until I was able to get there that afternoon. “Thankfully, they weren’t injured or sick so once they’d been checked over by a vet we got them into emergency boarding before moving them to RSPCA Derby. “If no one comes forward to claim them then staff will find them a suitable new home. “To abandon these chinchillas like this is extremely irresponsible and cruel. They could have easily been hurt, or even killed, and wouldn’t have survived for long confined inside that tiny cage.

“I’m now investigating where they may have come from and who is responsible for abandoning them so I’d appeal to anyone with any information to get in touch by calling 0300 123 8018 and leaving me a message.

“Chinchillas can make wonderful pets but need specialist care.

“They can live for up to 20 years and are highly social so need company.

“Unfortunately, we find that a lot of people take on the responsibility of a pet without properly researching what that animal needs and without understanding the commitment involved with taking care of them.

“Sadly that means that many pets are abandoned when their owners can no longer look after them and charities, like the RSPCA, are left to pick up the pieces.”

To abandon these chinchillas is extremely irresponsible and cruel.