Harold the hamster dumped on doorstep in Harrods carrier bag

A man had quite the surprise when he found a hamster dumped on his doorstep in Cambridge - with no sign of how he’d got there or who had left him behind.

The man, unsure of what to do with the rodent, called the RSPCA and animal welfare officer (AWO) Jane Folly went along to collect him.

“The little hammy must have been terribly frightened and confused after being removed from his home, placed inside a tiny cage and wrapped up in a plastic bag,” she said.

“The sun was going down when the gentleman found him so it was getting dark and cold. The poor thing wouldn’t have survived long on his own if he’d not been found.

“Thankfully the man who found him did the right thing and took him inside to keep him safe before calling us.

“To abandon such a small, vulnerable animal - one which relies on us for everything - is despicable and could have had awful consequences. I’d urge anyone who knows where the little hamster has come from or who is responsible for abandoning him to contact our appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave me a message.”

The adult, male Syrian hamster is now being cared for by staff at the RSPCA’s Block Fen Animal Centre. Staff say Harold, as he’s been named, is “lovely” and is doing well. If he is not claimed then he will be rehomed by the charity.

AWO Folly added: “Sadly, thousands of pets are cruelly abandoned every year and charities like the RSPCA are left to pick up the pieces.

“I would urge anyone thinking of getting a pet - whether it’s a hamster or a horse - to do their research first and ensure they can care for that animal for the rest of its life. And anyone who is struggling to care properly for a pet should contact their local vet or animal charity for advice and support.”

To rehome an RSPCA animal please visit Find A Pet to browse the different animals we have looking for fresh starts.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs like these, please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give or text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).