THE RSPCA received 90 reports about cruelty to rats in the south west last year as a specialist says rodents "deserve the best life we can give them".

There were 670 reports of rats in need reported to the RSPCA's cruelty line in 2021 which equates to around 55 a month. Of these, 90 reports were made across the south west.

In Dorset, meanwhile, 12 rats rescued by the RSPCA are listed as available for rehoming.

The animal charity hopes the findings can help educate the public about how to care for the "misunderstood" creatures.

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Dr Vikki Neville, who carried out the research, said: "We had a great response to our survey, and it was amazing how enthusiastic owners were about their pet rats and reassuring that high levels of enrichment were generally provided.

"However, the survey did flag up a few areas of concern, including some cases where rats were not provided with opportunities to explore outside their cage or were not provided with both bedding and nesting materials.

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"Rats are such intelligent creatures and are full of personality and I think they deserve the best life we can give them if our research helps to improve their welfare then I would be delighted."

Visit rspca.org.uk/findapet#onSubmitSetHere for more information.