An ever-expanding group of abandoned mice found dumped in a home-made cage in woodland in Maidstone are ready to be re-homed.

RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre in West Malling took the group of what initially was 19 mice in after animal rescue officer Emma Byrne collected them from an area of woodland, near Sandy Lane, after a dog walker made the discovery.

Initially, 19 pointy-snouted rodents were cared for by the charity but a further 15 have since been born.

Despite an appeal by the RSPCA, no further information has been found about how they came to be in the woodland.

No-one has yet come forward to offer the mice, who were found on April 12, a home.

Cattery and small animal supervisor at Leybourne, Sarah Clarkson, says there is a variety of mice in the group who have now been separated into suitable groups.

“We have a mixture of male and female mice, as well as some babies that have been born since we collected them,” she said.

“This is because some of the females were already pregnant - they have now been separated into suitable groups.

“These mice will make great pets for the right home. Mice are often active during the day, so can be entertaining to watch and interact with.

“They will all need a large space for their accommodation with plenty of hiding places and bedding material in which to burrow.

"They should also be given things to chew and shred to make nests.”

Anyone interested in adopting the mice can call Leybourne Animal Centre on 0300 1230751.

Sarah added: “We can help with advice for any potential adopters and, as we have so many, they can go to a range of homes.”

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