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Charity reports rise in rats and mice at its centres
Accordion was part of a group of rats whose owner could no longer care for them.
Would-be pet owners encouraged to consider adoption 

Members of the public are being encouraged to consider adopting a pet rodent, as the RSPCA reveals a rising number of rats and mice are coming through its doors.

The charity took in 228 rats last year, compared to 204 in 2016 and 160 in 2015. Similarly, it took in 200 mice in 2017, 109 in 2016 and 147 in 2015.

Rabbit and rodent welfare expert, Dr Jane Tyson, said many people may not realise the charity rescues rodents as well as cats and dogs.

“Sadly, rats can sometimes carry a negative stereotype but actually they can make loving and affectionate pets,” she explained. “They are fascinating and very intelligent animals and could make rewarding additions to a family.

“People don’t realise that each rat has their own personality. They laugh when tickled, and studies have shown they show empathy with other rats and will try to help each other if trapped or in distress.

“There are many different species of rat across the world, and they have an incredible sense of smell. Some have even been trained to safely locate landmines in war zones so that they can be removed - they really are an extraordinary group of animals.“

One pair of rats currently in the charity’s care are Accordion and Tuba. They were part of a group of rats whose owner could no longer care for them. The playful pair are looking for a home with a large cage, providing lots of play and sleeping areas, including lots of toys, tunnels, hammocks and cosy beds.

The charity said they will need to be introduced slowly to being handled on a regular basis but are gaining confidence every day.

“We would urge anyone thinking of getting rats, mice or any other rodent species to check out the RSPCA’s Find a Pet webpage to see if they can offer a rescue rodent a loving home,” Dr Tyson added.

Image courtesy of the RSPCA
 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.