TWO pet gerbils abandoned in a rusty bucket at a Tredegar car park were taken to recover at Newport Animal Centre.

The frightened duo were discovered by a member of the public near a rubbish bin in Queen Victoria Street, who contained them and alerted the RSPCA.

Staff at Newport Animal Centre named them Ben and Jerry, and have since been given them a clean bill of health.

Inspector Simon Evans, who attended the scene to collect them, said: “Ben and Jerry were not in a bad condition and have obviously been someone’s pets, so it is sad that they were then dumped like this and left to an uncertain fate.

South Wales Argus: Ben and Jerry were looked after at Newport Animal CentreBen and Jerry were looked after at Newport Animal Centre

“Their chances of survival, had they not been found, would have been extremely slim.

“We understand that people’s circumstances may change which means they can no longer care for a pet but dumping animals like rubbish is never the answer.

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“It’s a difficult time at the moment and people’s finances may have been affected by the pandemic, but we urge anyone who is struggling to cope with their pets to please reach out for help from friends, family or charities like ourselves.”

Anyone with information about who may have abandoned the gerbils should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.