Ferrets which were abandoned in a Blackburn street have been the latest animals to be rescued by the RSPCA.

It was one of two incidents where the charity was called out to rescue pets dumped by cruel owners in the street recently.

Two long-haired guinea pigs were dumped in a box  in Middleton, Greater Manchester, while the three ferrets were left in an under-sized cage in Blackburn. 

The RSPCA officers who attended the incidents suspect either those giving them up didn’t have the expertise to care for them, or were struggling with the costs.

Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Connie Brown was called to investigate the abandonment of three ferrets, who were left in a small cage in Aberdare Close on Saturday, February 3.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The rodents, two female and a male, were found by a local resident, who placed them in a shed for their safety after he spotted the cage containing the poor rodents being kicked around the street by a thoughtless youth.

The officer made enquiries on the street and put up a poster, but no-one has come forward to claim the pets. 

Connie said: “Fortunately, the ferrets were healthy, but they were in a cage which was far too small for them and they didn’t have any water.

“They are very tame and pleasant young ferrets who look like they are well used to being handled as they didn’t bite.

“It is sad that they have been found like this and maybe an owner has been struggling with their upkeep or hasn’t had the experience to look after them, but it is no excuse to leave animals in this manner.”

The ferrets underwent health checks and were neutered and vaccinated at RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, before they were taken to a specialist ferret rescue in the South Cheshire area, from where they will be rehomed.

Meanwhile, two male guinea pigs were discovered by a resident while putting out her bins at around 3pm on Monday, February 5.

They were both suffering with matted fur and after they were collected by RSPCA Inspector Alex Ashton they underwent treatment at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.

The two pets, now named Horace and Spike, have made a good recovery and are now in the care of RSPCA Derby & District Branch. 

The inspector said: “This was very distressing to see as the guinea pigs were left in the street in a poor condition.

"They are long-haired guinea pigs and their coats hadn’t been looked after - they had to have them shaved off at our hospital."

Anyone with any information about either abandonment is asked to call the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018.