These rats were abandoned in a dirty cage during a thunderstorm in Wigan

A member of the public spotted the cage, which was open with the rats loose in the bushes, down a country lane in Cobbs Brow Lane, Wigan, on Saturday 13 June.

Thankfully, the kind caller managed to catch them and stay with the rats until the RSPCA arrived.

Inspector Joanne McDonald is now investigating how the rodents came to be abandoned.

She said: “These poor rats were dumped in a disgusting and smelly cage which was far too small for the three of them. There was no bedding or food in the cage when they were found and the door had been left open so the rats were actually running loose. The night they were rescued there was a severe thunderstorm so they were extremely lucky that they were found when they were.

“We do understand that people’s circumstances may change which means they can no longer care for their pet but we would urge owners not to abandon their pets. Instead please reach out for help from friends or family, or charities like ourselves.”

If anyone has any information about how these rats came to be abandoned, please contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

The three male rats were taken to the RSPCA Manchester and Salford branch by animal rescuer Joanne where they are now receiving lots of TLC. They have been named Zoot, Lee and Dell.

Susie Hughes, branch manager, said: “The boys are quite cheeky and friendly but sadly they are a little underweight so we are now working on getting them back up to a healthy weight. It’s great to see them looking happy and content and a world away from the rancid smelling cage they were found in.”

Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA rescue teams, said: “We have received nearly 3,000 reports (2,984) of abandoned animals across England & Wales since lockdown began - that’s an average of almost 40 a day.

“Although lockdown is gradually being eased, sadly there are still thousands of animals who need our help, including abandoned pets.

“Many people are finding their pets are a real source of comfort in these anxious times and thankfully cases of abandonment are slightly lower than usual but it’s heartbreaking that some animals are being dumped during this crisis.”

The RSPCA is urging pet-owners to make an emergency pet-care plan should they be admitted to hospital with Coronavirus, including placing a poster in the window informing people that there are pets inside.

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals like these and keep our animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care through these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid