TWO rats have been rescued after being dumped in a cardboard box on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
The Scottish SPCA was called to rescue the all-white female cross-dumbo rats after a member of staff from The Hub spotted the box they were contained in lying on the ground on Sunday morning at around 9am.
Beatrice and Eugenie were found near The Hub
Senior Inspector John Toule collected the frightened little rodents and took them to the charity’s Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Balerno where staff have given them the regal monikers Beatrice and Eugenie.
Senior Inspector Toule said, “It’s sad and frustrating when people dump their pets outdoors when they are no longer able or willing to care for them.
“These rats could easily have chewed through the cardboard box and got loose. Domestic rats do not have the same survival skills as their wild relatives and they could easily have been run over or preyed upon.
“Thankfully they were found before they came to any harm and we will now find them responsible owners.
“Anyone who recognises the rats and knows who owned them should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
