A WORCESTER animal rescue centre is looking to rehome 45 African soft fur rats named after Disney princesses.

RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire are currently caring for the animals, also known as multimammate mice, which are a mixture of eight weeks to adults.

Some of the mice have names such as Disney-themed names including Belle, Jasmine, Merida, Anna, Aurora, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Elsa, Ariel, Eric, Snow White, Tiana, Rapunzel, Moana and Mulan.

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Claire Wood, from the RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch, said they hope to find homes to give them a fairytale ending after they were abandoned in the Rowley Regis area of Birmingham, back in July.

In July alone, 2,031 incidents of abandonment were reported to the RSPCA.

She said: “The multimammate mice were found dumped in a cardboard box in an alleyway.

"RSPCA inspectors were called and then they went to one of our fosterers. These mice are sadly usually bred to be snake food and although they are often referred to as a rat they are closer in size to a mouse. 

“Out of the 45, we mainly have females but we also have a couple of groups of males as well. They enjoy climbing, exploring their cage and burrowing to find a cosy place to sleep. They enjoy fruit and vegetables as part of their daily diet to keep them healthy. 

“We are now looking for loving homes for them - in groups of at least four. Sadly, we’ve not had much interest in them so far, so we really do hope that we can get the word out there.”

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Adopters will need to have suitable accommodation in place - and those interested can get in touch with the branch’s small animal team leader by emailing emily@rspcaworcester.org.uk

Overall, the number of reports made nationally to the charity’s cruelty line about intentional harm to animals - including beatings, mutilations such as ear cropping, poisonings and even killings - has increased by 14 per cent, with 12,582 reported last year compared to 11,012 reports in 2021.

If you would like to apply to adopt then please fill out the online form on the branch website at http://www.rspca-worcester.org/animals-for-adoption/small-animals.