A BABY rat nearly lost its life to hypothermia after being dumped in Little Budworth with its mother and seven siblings by its cruel owners.

The rodents were left on a dirt track next to Cheshire Polo Club but were found by a dog walker who called the RSPCA.

Rescuer Nadine Pengilly said: “All the rats were very cold and thin. We almost lost one little rat as he was suffering from hypothermia. We kept him all nice and warm in a glove and thankfully he made a full recovery in a short time.

“If the lady who found them had not been walking her dog down that very track there is a very strong chance that these baby rats and their mother would have died.

“I am appealing for any information that may lead me to successfully prosecuting the owner or person responsible for dumping these defenceless rats.

“We are also appealing for good loving homes for these rats.”

If anybody would like to adopt one they should contact Warrington RSPCA Animal Home on 01925 632944.