THE RSPCA is appealing for information after around 50 pet mice were abandoned in a blue plastic container in a Lancashire park.

The mice were found by a dog walker at around 7pm on Tuesday night in Towneley Park, Burnley.

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RSPCA inspector Lyndsey Taylor said: “The poor things were in a plastic, uncovered container, exposed to the elements and anything that came across them.

“The woman who found them said that there were a couple of bodies on the floor at the location, so we think something had already had a go at them.

“I suspect they hadn’t been there that long so it’s lucky she came across them when she did. They were totally defenceless.”

The finder managed to get the box home and called us.

The mice are described as brown and white and albino, and mixed sexes.

RSPCA inspector Taylor said: “I pulled seven dead mice out of the sawdust in the box. Some of the males had wounds from fighting with one another and one was suffering a prolapse.

“There was no food or water and as you can see from the video, they were all very hungry and thirsty.”

The mice were taken to RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital to be checked over and separated by sex. Sadly, one died on the way and three had to be put to sleep on veterinary advice.

The surviving mice will now be transferred to RSPCA and RSPCA branch animal centres for rehoming.

“Mice have needs which they rely on their owners to meet in just the same way as other animals do and causing unnecessary suffering or failing to meet those needs is an offence.

“I’m sure that if someone had 50 mice and now they don’t it won’t go unnoticed. If you have any information about who these mice belonged to, or you saw anything that might help, please call 0300 123 8018 and ask to leave a message for me,” said inspector Taylor.