AN appeal has been launched after around 50 ‘totally defenceless’ pet mice were dumped in a park.

Several of the brown and white albino rodents were dead when they were found in a blue plastic uncovered container by a woman walking a dog in Towneley Park, Burnley.

The RSPCA said some of the mixed sex mice were injured from fighting with each other and one was suffering a prolapse.

Inspector Lynsey Taylor said: “The poor things were 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 dog walker managed to get the box home before calling the RSPCA.

The mice were then taken to RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital to be checked over and separated by sex.

One died on the way to the hospital and three had to be put to sleep on veterinary advice.

The surviving animals are set to be transferred to RSPCA branch animal centres for rehoming.

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 they were all very hungry and thirsty.

“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.”

Cllr Mark Townsend, leader of Burnley Council, said: “Whoever has done this it is just completely deplorable.

“We need to be setting an example that no animal should be suffer any form of cruelty like this.