Kentish Express Ashford & District
Abandoned pet rat finds a new home
There are hopes an abandoned rat will make a new life for itself in Ashford.
Newly named Rattie has been adopted by animal lover Sarah Hunter, from Kingsnorth, who rescued him from a garden in Dover on Monday.
Miss Hunter, 29, believes Rattie was dumped by his former owner and is now suffering from an infection and bite wounds after having to fend for himself in the wild for more than a week.
She said: “A man from Dover posted on Facebook saying he had a white rat in his garden and asked if anyone had lost one.
“A week went by and no one came forward.
“My number was passed to him as I have rats and I agreed to pick him up.”
When she collected him on Monday, Miss Hunter discovered Rattie was covered in scabs from bites – believed to be inflicted by wild rats and fleas – and had a swollen back leg.
She said: “He is definitely a pet rat, you can tell from the colour of him.
“I think it’s likely someone has thrown him out.
“No animal deserves to be neglected. There are plenty of animal rescues that will help.
“It’s upsetting to see such a beautiful creature in a sorry state.”
Miss Hunter took him to the Montgomery Veterinary Clinic, in Smeeth, that day, where he was given painkillers and antibiotics.
Rattie has now joined her at home, which Miss Hunter shares with her parents, as well as more than 20 pet rats, four blind guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, two cats and six dogs.
Miss Hunter and her mum Sandie also run a small animal rescue centre, called Sarandies.
Miss Hunter’s love of rats formed around seven years ago. She said: “I’m a big rat fan. They are very bright, loving and caring animals.
“Rattie will be staying with me. I’ve grown very fond of him.
“He is dirty, and I will give him a bath once he is feeling better. I hope to introduce him to others, too, eventually.”