SHAKEN but still alive, these gerbils have had an amazing escape.

Callously dumped by heartless owners, the tiny animals were found by a passer-by in a skip on Maurice Road, Nelson, and were handed in at the animal welfare centre RSPCA Altham.

It is not known how long the 12 gerbils -- eight adults and four babies in two cages -- were there for but their survival astonished experts.

"They are very lucky to be alive," said Lisa Dewhurst, spokesman for the RSPCA. "Anything could have been dumped on top of them and they wouldn't have survived long without food and water. This was grossly irresponsible and people should consider that when they take on pets they do so for life no matter how big or small they are. They could so easily have died."

Three of the gerbils have already been adopted by animal lovers. The remaining nine are at the Edenfield Road centre waiting for new homes. "What happened is very sickening but nothing surprises me any more," said deputy manager Steven Carpenter. "We get all sorts of people bringing in tales of things that have happened to animals."

The gerbils are said to be doing well after their ordeal.

"The parents have been split up with their babies because they are old enough now and they all seem in good condition," said Steven. "One of the babies seems to have poorly eyes but we don't know if he was born with that. Our vet will check him out later this week."

Lisa Dewhurst of the RSPCA, said as well as finding owners the RSPCA were keen to find the culprits.

The gerbils were found on Wednesday June 28 and had probably been dumped not long before. If anybody was seen acting suspiciously or if there are any witnesses they should contact the RSPCA on 08705 555 999.

Picture: Carrie Duckworth, senior animal care assistant at the RSPCA Centre, Altham, with two of the gerbils